Vatican City  - Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Christmas midnight Mass on Wednesday, and commemorating Jesus' humble birth, drew attention to the plight of the poor and of children suffering neglect and abuse.

Vatican City  - Pope Benedict XVI late Wednesday led the Vatican's Christmas festivities by celebrating the traditional Midnight Mass, calling for the protection of children around the world.

Rome - Pope Benedict XVI late Wednesday led the Vatican's Christmas festivities by celebrating the traditional Midnight Mass.

Rome  - Outgoing US President George W Bush's visit to Rome in June culminated in talks with Pope Benedict XVI held in an unprecedented setting in the Vatican City's splendid gardens.

Many wandered what words were exchanged between the scholarly German-born head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Texas-raised US leader, a born-again Protestant Christian.