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Pope calls on faithful to find time for God, needy

Pope Benedict XVI urged the faithful to set aside time in their lives for God and the needy as he ushered in Christmas early yesterday by celebrating Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

Echoing a theme he has raised about an increasingly secular world, Benedict said that many people act as if there is no room for spiritual matters in their lives.

"Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such urgent need of all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others, for his neighbor, for the poor, for God," he said.

In a homily delivered in Italian in front of thousands packing the basilica, Benedict asked the faithful to make room for God, as well as the less fortunate, in their lives.

"Do we have time for our neighbor who is in need of a word from us, from me, or in need of my affection? For the sufferer who is in need of help? For the fugitive or the refugee who is seeking asylum? Do we have time and space for God?" he asked.

Earlier, as Midnight Mass began, he blessed the crowd as he walked in a procession up the main aisle to the central altar, which was decorated with red poinsettias.

As a choir sang, Benedict sprinkled incense on the altar under Bernini's massive bronze baldachin before opening the service with the traditional wish for peace in Latin: Pax vobis -- "Peace be with you."

The faithful responded: Et cum spiritu tuo -- "And also with you."

Four children, some in native costume from their countries, brought flowers to the altar, placing them near a statue depicting baby Jesus as Benedict, dressed in white and gold-colored robes and joined a choir in a hymn.

For those unable to get into the midnight service there were giant screens set up in St. Peter's Square.
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