VATICAN-CHRISTMAS

Pope Benedict XVI waves during the 'Urbi et Orbi' (message to the City and to the World) address in St. Peter's square at the Vatican on December 25, 2008. The Pontiff in his Christmas message warned that the world was headed toward ruin if selfishness prevails over solidarity during tough economic times for both rich and poor nations. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on the day Christians commemorate Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Benedict declared that the 'heart of the Christian message is meant for all men and women. AFP PHOTO/ Filippo MONTEFORTE