CHRISTMAS-POPE/MIDEAST

Pope Benedict XVI blesses pilgrims during his Urbi et Orbi message (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican December 25, 206. Pope Benedict said in a special Christmas message to the Christians of the Middle East on Monday that he hoped to visit the Holy Land as soon as the situation there permits it. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (VATICAN)