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Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The day culminated with Christmas Eve Mass at the 1,700-year-old Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where it is believed Jesus was born.

In Bethlehem, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem voiced his support for a Palestinian state.

Meanwhile in the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI held the traditional Mass at St Peter's Basilica.

The pontiff urged Christians to "find time and room for God in their fast-paced lives".

Benedict prayed that Israelis and Palestinians be able to live their lives in peace. He also prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

The Mass, usually celebrated at midnight, was brought forward by two hours to avoid tiring the 85-year-old pontiff unduly.

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Thousands enjoy merry Christmas in Bethlehem.

Kuwait to host Syria crisis meeting, envoy meets Assad.

Top envoy Brahimi meets Syria's Assad.

Syrian rebels say capture military base, seize weapons.

Air strike kills dozens of Syrians trying to buy bread.

Peace envoy Brahimi in Syria, air strike kills dozens.

Israel says Syria chemical weapons are secure for now.

Kuwait urges Iran to address worries on nuclear plant.

Iran slams Canada for delisting rebel group.

Yemen: 2 militants killed in US airstrike.

Iran fighting 'smart economic war': Ahmadinejad.

Christianity 'close to extinction' in Middle East.


Maritime disputes overshadow NE Asia relations.

N. Korea slams Christmas lights as provocation.

India and Russia seal defense deals, hail partnership.

North Korea could have U.S. within missile range, says South.

India's gang-rape protesters defy moves to quell outrage.

India PM appeals for Delhi calm after rape protests.

No let-up in civilian deaths in Pakistan as Taliban keep on attacks in 2012.

China to crack down on "malicious" trademark registrations.


UN mission in DRC deploys ‘quick reaction force’.

Pirates raid 'Italian' ship off Nigeria and take crew.

Egypt constitutional referendum result delayed. Egypt to announce result of constitution vote on Tuesday.

Egypt opposition alleges referendum 'fraud'. Egyptian judges review ballot on divisive constitution.

Mali: Islamists take pickaxes to Timbuktu's ancient mausoleums.

Christmas brings fear of church bombs in Nigeria.

Rebel faction in Ethiopia says it wants peace talks.

Somali pirates release longest-held hostages after 33 months.

Sudan's Bashir to give speech, after surgery last month.

Nelson Mandela expected to remain in hospital for Christmas.


Putin's start points to authoritarian rule through 2018.

Russian prosecutors seek innocent verdict in Magnitsky's death.

Eastern Europe deadly freeze leaves hundreds dead. Scores die in Ukraine cold spell.

Russian opposition leader faces new probe.

Macedonians brawl inside, outside parliament over 2013 budget.

Italy's Monti says may be ready to seek second term.

Putin visits India, eyes arms sales, trade and political ties.

British paper to sue Armstrong.


Thirteen killed in Mexico 'gang shootout'.

'Chaos': Gunman ambushes, kills two firefighters at New York blaze. Gunman who ambushed firefighters killed grandmother in 1980, police say.

Hugo Chavez 'improves slightly' after cancer surgery.

US lawmakers: We're likely to go over the 'fiscal cliff'.

Mexico clashes leave seven police officers dead.

Mexico's top cop resigns ahead of shake-up.

Red alert issued for volcano on Chile-Argentina border.

Venezuela rules out new elections.

Argentina angry after Antarctic territory named after Queen.


Ansar al Sharia Tunisia releases pictures of FBI agents.

New Pentagon effort will send Army teams to Africa as terror threat grows.

Two drone strikes kill five in Yemen: officials. Drone kills two Qaeda militants in south Yemen-officials.


Facebook paid £2.9m tax on £840m profits made outside US, figures show.

Analysis: Amazon, Google on collision course in 2013.

French 'sadness' over flat champagne sales.

Insight: In fracking culture war, celebs, billionaires and banjos.

Google Video executives' Italian conviction overturned.