video transcript

Pope Benedict, prepares to deliver his Christmas message to the world. Thousands gather in St. Peters Square to hear his message. The 85-year-pontiff calls for peace in the world's trouble spots. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE BENEDICT SAYING: "Yes, may peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless, and reaps innocent victims. Once again I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict." (PART COVERED WITH IMAGES OF CROWDS IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE) The leader of the world's more than 1 billion Roman Catholics also condemned conflicts in Mali and Nigeria. The Pope's message followed a Christmas Eve Mass when he called on people to find room for God in their fast-paced lives.