Saturday, December 25 2004 10:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: Pope John Paul II ushered in the Christmas holiday, lighting a candle for peace in his window before celebrating midnight Mass in a new test of the 84-year-old Pontiff's frail health. All through yesterday (Dec 24, 2004), pilgrims descended on St Peter's Square, admiring the 32-metre Christmas tree from the Italian Alps. Alongside the 100-year-old fir stood a life-size Nativity scene that was unveiled yesterday.

Many waited in line for hours and had to pass through metal detectors to get into St Peter's Basilica for midnight Mass. Police cars ringed the heavily protected piazza, and officers patrolled the square in a new fleet of 2.5-metre-long Lamborghini cars resembling golf carts.

After dusk, a single candle appeared in John Paul's window, casting a soft light over the Pope as he gazed onto the square. The Pontiff raised the candle to make the sign of the cross, and the crowd applauded.

At Mass later, John Paul appeared animated, smiling as he blessed children who brought gifts to the altar. He spoke in a clear voice as he delivered a brief homily from his white-wheeled throne.

A staunch opponent of the US-led war in Iraq, the Pope said in a recent peace message that "violence is an unacceptable evil that never solves problems."

During the Christmas homily he made no specific references to wars or other current problems, but he said of Christ: "All humanity, with its burdens of trials and troubles, stands in need of you."

"Stay with us, living bread which came down from heaven for our salvation! Stay with us forever," the Pope said.