Sunday, December 25 2005 11:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI began leading Midnight Mass early today (Dec 25, 2005), his first Christmas service since becoming pontiff, blessing thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Romans who packed St Peter's Basilica.

A dozen children, some in native costume, from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America, brought flowers up toward the central altar, placing them near a statue depicting baby Jesus as a choir of adults and youths sang hymns.

"My very dear brothers and sisters," Benedict said, at the start of the ceremony. "Great is the mystery of the compassion which we celebrate, in joy, on this most holy night."

For those unable to get a free ticket for the midnight service, there were giant screens set up in St Peter's Square, which was made festive by a shimmering 30-metre tall fir tree from an Austrian town and a Nativity scene with larger-than-life-sized statues that was unveiled in the afternoon.

Arrangements were made to broadcast the Mass live to 46 countries, the Vatican said.

A few hours before midnight, Benedict made a brief appearance to the crowd, coming to his studio window overlooking the square to light a candle. He was following in the tradition of Pope John Paul II by delivering a silent Christmas Eve blessing to the crowds below.

Benedict wore gold-coloured robes and blessed the crowd as he strode up the central aisle at the service's start.