. >> pope benedict xvi arrived at st. peter's basilica in rome amid tight security.ast year at the same marx a woman jumped the barriers and lunged at the pontiff. this year it's seemingly been trouble-free with around 10,000 people attending the traditional christmas mass. the pope prayed for peace. >> we are grateful that god gives himself into our hands as a child, begging as it were for our love, implanting his peace in our hearts. but this joy is also a prayer. lord, make your promise come fui true. break the rods of the 0 pressors. burnt tramping boots. let the time of the garments rolled in blood come to an end. >> earlier in heavy rain the pope lit a candle if his window overlooking st. peter's square to officially open the vatican's nativity scene. police among the crowds were on high letter also because of two parcel bombs sent to embassies in the capital estimate >> i felt really good, i felt secure in the city seeing the police around. so no, i haven't felt threatened in any way. >> later on saturday the pope will deliver his christmas message to the city

pope benedict xxvi as presently, his own claim, not mine. the apostolics session, the vicer of christ on earth. you have to say this person has divine thomplet -- authority. i maintain that is too much of a sacrifice of the mental and intellectual freedom that is essential to us, to be tolerated and you gave everything by repudiating that and standing up to your own full height and you gave much more than you will by pretending you're a member of the flock or in any other way any kind of sheep. thank you.

. >>> pope benedict delivered his traditional speech today before thousands of people that gathered at st. peter's square. pope benedict said he hoped christmas would inspire respect for human rights in afghanistan and pakistan, and toward reconciliation in korea. >>> if you're hitting the road tonight, you may have noticed the highest gas prices in more than two years. the average price of gas in the bay area this month is about 3:34. that is up 70% from december 2008. partly due to the economic downturn. one cab driver says he's noticed the change. >> i fill up, like $35. it's a lot. i put up like $50, $60. you know, it's too much money. >> of course, they're still far from the peak price of gas in the bay area, back in the summer of 2008 when gas prices hit $4.50 a gallon. san francisco, the average is about $3.37 for a gallon of regular unleaded. >>> still ahead at 5:00, we'll check in on the weather conditions in tahoe. also an often underestimated community has banded together this christmas to keep san francisco from going cold. they did it all with nothing but needles and yarn.

pope benedict celebrates christmas at the vatican. a dentist transforming smiles six years. back in a moment. >> hello this is u.s. army currently in afghanistan. i'd like to send a merry christmas greeting to my deer wife and our lovely kids. lightning fast. lightning strong. rizon 4g lte. rule the air on the most advanced 4g network in the world. >>> pope benedict the 16 ushered in christmas with a mass. and led a procession and stopped twice to bless babies. the pontiff was escorted by body guards after a mentally ill woman attacked him during last year's celebration no. incidents this time. >> and there is michael finney spending the day with family but wanted to make sure he got a gift so there are web-only finney free stuff offerings. a "new york times" best selling book called four-hour work week, electronic edition and something might come in handy in this season of overeating. heart burn medicine. you don't call to get these. you go to our web site. and look under the blog on 7 on your side fchl you want to make sure you left you something today. okay. straight ahea

pope benedict's visit -- visit to september in december. a brief window of whether opportunity in europe seems to be shutting down again, just as international hubs clear the backlog of stranded passengers, on came the next big storm. this time, it is a paris airport that has been worst hit. one terminal had to be evacuated because of snow accumulation. in germany, some roads and rail routes are nearly impossible. >> freezing rain loaded motorways with eyes, causing numerous accidents across german in the eastern state of saxony, several trucks collided, and cars created a pile up as their cars lost hold on the slippery surface. at least one person died. another died in the central state where his car slid off the road and crashed into a tree. nine other vehicles were involved in the accident. travelers who took to the rails faired a little better, but there were delays. before dawn, for as an overhead power cables meant hundreds of passengers were stuck on the route from hannover to berlin. travelers put a brave face on the situation. >> n

. >>> pope benedict celebrated christmas for thousands in rome. r that christmas marks the birth of christ. >>> in bethlehem, it was the largest christmas celebration in a decade. a record number of pilgrims from around the world gathered at the church of the nativity, built on the site, where tradition says, jesus was born. >>> in other news, president obama is in his birthplace of hawaii, with his family celebrating this christmas. first lady, michelle obama, answered calls from children checking in with the u.s. military's santa tracking program. mrs. obama told children santa's whereabouts as he was making his journey around the world on christmas eve. >>> with that, here's a quick check of the weather. a major snowstorm along the carolina coast later today. with heavy know as it moves north. 6 to 12 inches of snow is forecast through monday, from the carolinas into new england. elsewhere, another storm will bring more rain and snow into california, north to washington state. meanwhile, the midwest will be cold, with minneapolis, 13 degrees tod

. >> pope benedict the succinct wished for lasting peace in somalia and urged palestinians and israelis to live side by side in peace. >> made the latest christmas at shine forth by new an elan where jesus was born and has inspired many to s pyrophoric justice. >> his message is delivered in 65 languages. but some type of less predictable approach to christmas. members of the berlin seals swimming club gave up the warmth of their living rooms and hacked zero whole for the festive it present capital. the club has at around 70 winter it simmers and christmas will not get in the wake of their routine. in australia christmas is equally unconventional wearing rain gear in a letter sent even dressing up in santa it all fits. the beach goers admired at beach tree. no matter the weather people the world over are celebrating christ's birthday in their own way. travis and for reuters. >> in spain and they give back to some holiday passengers. they received personalized gifts. the presence range from hats to candy to denver's. it goes to show that you never know how often is quick to turn out. rus

pope benedict prayed for peace. called on personal responsibility as well as the importance of helping others. he also told catholics in china to courageously face limits on freedom. at midnight, the pope walked down the aisle of st. peter's basilica at the start and end of the mass along with stopping several times to bless babies held up to him. during the same services in 2008 and 2009, a woman lunged at the pope. those attacks as well as two bombing at the embassy has put the vatican on high-security alert including metal detectors checks, extra police and inspection of bags and bag packs. bombs exploded thursday in rome injuring two people. >>> while you were sleeping, the rest of the world has been waking up to celebrate christmas morning. american troops at bagram air base celebrated with a visit from santa and they will treat christmas as other days with military patrol. they prayed for peace and hope that this will be the last time u.s. troops observe christmas in iraq. >>> in china, more than 200 christian

. >>> pope benedict, his annual world peace day messag religious and tolerance and violence is an insult to god and threat to world security. he said that the recent attack at the catholic cathedral including rejection of religious symbol david aikman told me most americans aren't aware of abuses against the global body of christ. >> we have had elite universities teaching undergraduates only villians were the christians and the crusades are brought up knowledge of christian communities in different countries of the world is extremely poorly taught in american colleges and schools. >> david aikman had more to say about the persecution of christian around the world. you can find the full interview at cwnews.org. >>> are children bearing the brunt of economic crisis? >> labor depament released annual report on child labor. heather sells. >> reporter: u.s. government doest want to punish or shame countriewhere child labor is toil, but wantto shine abuse on 215 million children. >> no family should have to depend to put food on the table and no person forced to work in captivity. >> while ch

pope benedict xvi celebrated christmas eve at st. peter's basilica. dnight service was held amid heightened security following last week's postal bombings in rome. >>> and in bethlehem, worshippers gathered to mark this holy day. tens of thousands of people filling the streets outside the church of nativity. the site where christ was believed to have been born. officials say a record crowd made the pilgrimage this year for what was one of the most peaceful celebrations for christmas in bethlehem in recent memory. >>> a different scene in pakistan where christmas arrived with more violence and bloodshed. authorities there say a suicide bomber killed at least 38 people, injuring dozens more. this attack happened as crowds were waiting for food in an aid distribution center. reports say the suicide bomber was a woman. those reports prove true, it will be the first time a woman has carried out a suicide attack in the tribal region of that country. >>> now back here at home, many americans are waking up to a white christmas this morning. the snow was fallin

. >> in november last year the canterbury met pope benedict. the meeting took place soon after the pope announced a special provision for disaffected anglicans who wanted to convert to catholicism. the british ambassador said the meeting had come at an awkward time. the anglican-vatican relations were facing their worst crisis as a result of the pope's decision. the ambassador said although the offer was aimed at anglicans in america, it put the archbishop of canterbury in an impossible situation. the cable says the ambassador thought the crisis was worrisome. the outcome could be discrimination or even violence against catholics. it seemed this might cost -- however the visit was regarded as a success when it went ahead three months ago. >> you are watching "bbc world news." the british man accused of murdering his wife on honeymoon in south africa is free on bail. the british national party is holding a conference. the party failed to win the general election and its finances have slumped as it fights expensive [unintelligible] >> security to

pope benedict xvi's key concern is to keep religion at the heart of democracy.e sees britain as the birthplace of modern democracy. like other contributors to the program, he will have to minutes and 40 seconds to put his case. -- two minutes and 40 seconds to put his case. >> the discovery of a completely new kind of human being. there were once widespread across asia. the discovery could revolutionize our understanding of early humans. >> tens of thousands of years ago, our species live alongside a different type of human. neanderthal man. scientists have discovered that they share the planet with another distinct human creature. 600,000 years ago, europe and africa were occupied by an early form of human. those who stayed in europe turned into neanderthals. others became the denisovans. theythey interbred. we know from dna evidence. it is a discovery that has a stand of the experts. >-- astounded the experts. >> what they discovered is a completely new lineage of dna, not neanderthal and not modern human, it was probably widespread in asia and linked killion

. >>> pope benedict celebrated christmas eve mass at the vatican before hundreds of worshipers. there was no disruption of the service as in the past when the same mentally ill woman lunged at the pope two years in a row. security was also stepped up dude -- you do to package bombs in rome. >>> the traditional birthplace of jesus in bethel and there was a marching band. israeli officials said it's the largest turnout in 10 years. there was 90,000 visitors expected during the christmas holiday. not everybody was at the mall or running errands today. in san francisco the -- at the san francisco cathedral we found people in a reflective mood. >>reporter: the atmosphere here was very different from all thoughts about the many other gifts of the season. the sun was shining like a christmas store today. at grace cathedral people came to walk in circles. >> it gives you time to think and that's what i like about it the most. >> at the prayer labyrinth people slowed their steps for a walking meditation. >> we were going around in circles. i like being quiet. >>reporter: and on this date

. >> pope benedict xvi said the vatican wanted to join other countries in cracking down on legal loopholes that have allowed criminals to exploit the financial sector. the decrees were passed on as italian authorities and -- investigated money laundering by vatican bankers in september. italy froze 23 million euros were the vatican funds in italian banks due to possible money-laundering. rahm prosecutors launched an investigation against two vatican bank officials after receiving a tip of about financial irregularities. >> thank you. it has been 30 years since china enacted the one child policy in a bid to control population. that policy is having a dramatic affect on the country. boys outnumber girls. the burden of caring for elderly parents and grandparents is growing for many on the children. >> he is four and depended on his parents now but when he grows up, he will be somresponse for supporting the them and his grandparents. such as the traditional relationship. >> it is a big burden to support six adults. it is not just a problem for family. many chinese families have this challenge.

. >> at the vatican, pope benedict with the first of its kind radio address for a christmas mass heldater today. >> britain's queen elizabeth will give her annual holiday speech tomorrow. a preview of her message reveals she'll promote the benefit of sports in building communities and showing video of princes william and harry. >> and in thailand -- take a look at this -- elephants dressed as santa claus were handing out presents and entertaining children in a town of north bangkok because the kids were quick to snatch up the toys from the elephants' trunk. >> in afghanistan one father is not only apart from his family but he was away when his wife gave birth to their first child but he found a way to witness the unforgettable moment. that's sergeant ken pompilli in afghanistan who spoke about witnessing his wife giving birth to their daughter reilly over the internet. it was on thanksgiving day when his wife melanie went into labor. he turned his vehicle into a mobile command center to witness. every push via skype. for the next 17 hours he sat by his wife's side 17,000 miles away. >

pope benedict the xvi ushering christmas with an evening mass. tonight will there are heightened security concerns after breaches the past two years and those twin bombings in rome yesterday. martin fletcher has more. >> reporter: tens of thousands are expected n. at st. peters square throughout the day. police nervous after explosions thursday in the embattle cities of switzerland and chillwhich . two were injured. what do violent anarchists want? >> to grab headlines. to say that we're here and that we can strike wherever we want and however we want. >> reporter: embassy bombs are similar to those used in 14 attacks last month in greece. after those attacks, greek militants caught on other national groups to step up their action. police blamed anarchists just last week in italy for turning peaceful student protests against university reform into violence crashes. analysts don't believe this is a movement, just more violent groups feeding off each other. officials say tourists are safe 37 tonight 50,000 christians are expected to cram into saipe

despite heightened security concerns, pope benedict was able to usher in christmas peacefully.ecurity breaches during midnight mass in 2008 and 2009 had put officials on edge. in bethlehem, thousands were celebrating not only jesus' bitter but the area's most peaceful christmases in a decade. with the halt in fighting, 20,000 more tourists were expected this year. afghanistan, american troops took a break from the fighting to bell come santa as best they could. of course i would rather be home with my family and friends. >> reporter: as all around the globe, family, friends and even strangers gather to celebrate their faith and to teach the next generation to true meaning of christmas. >>> the raiders hope that peyton manning doesn't give them a headache on sunday. and a mississippi state player wants some popcorn but he ends up with a plane ticket home. the moment you feel run down or achy nip flu-like symptoms in the bud, with oscillococcinum. get oscillo and feel like yourself again. oscillococcinum, nip it in the bud. >>> have you ever watched a colt's game and wonder what

she has taken intimate shots of famous faces, former german chancellor, or yosef before he was pope benedict. photos, titled my view had bon the book award. the book is the first to chronical every days of her 30 years in photography. >> i think when you leaf through my view, you can see that it was a very intense and exciting life. with a lot of positive encounters, i have to say. and you also see the different worlds i've been involved in. >> in her studio, taking photos of a jockey for her current project. the 71-year-old is a trained fashion designer but she taught herself photography. in the mid 70's, the mother of four took photos of her children, an experience that brought her talent to the fore, and showed her passion for the craft. over the years, people have always been her favorite motif. >> photographing people means you're constantly facing new personal challenges. because you have to get people to open up, you have to deal with them. you have to get a sense of them and connect with them. you also have to give people something before you can take. >> portraits are her trademark.

at the vatican, pope benedict 16th provided over the annual service in st. peters basilica. many churches here in the u.s. hold a special services called the lessons of carol. i took a popular look at this popular pre-christmas tradition. ♪ with scripture and song, the festival of lessons and carols retells the christmas story, and for many it's a moving spiritual experience. lessons in carols is not a concert. it's not where you're going to applaud at everything. you're going to allow yourself to meditate at a much deeper place. the service intersperses prayers, carols and bible readings, traditionally nine passages called lessons. >> then the lord god say to the woman, what is this you have done? the woman says this doesn't trick me. >> the readings start at the beginning with with the book of j genesis and the book of adam and eve sitting in the garden and damning their relationship with god. the forthcoming of a savior. >> the virgin shall be with child and bear a son and shall name him emanuel. >> and then to the gospel, which described the coming of jesus. >> of his ki

. >>> this evening, pope benedict will hold midnight mass in vatican city at the vatican.he mass begins at 6:00 p.m. eastern time. >>> and it's going to be a busy nice for the north american aerospace command, known as norad. tracking santa claus. you can check it out on noradsanta.com. >>> all day long, you can stay on top of the very latest developments in those stories and others as they break on msnbc. and tonight be sure to watch brian williams with nbc "nightly news." >>> and, finally, here's a look at what's coming up later this morning on the "today" show. tips on finding the hottest last-minute holiday gifts along with wrapping paper and decorating ideas. and hear about an inner-city choir from compton, california, that's bringing hope and joy to its community this holiday season. >>> now keep it on this channel for continuing local news, weather, sports and more. i'm lynn berry. thanks for watching "early today," just your first stop of the day today on your nbc station. have a good one. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com how's it going in there, hon? um, almo

. >> axelrod: we begin tonight in rome, where pope benedict xvi celebrated christmas mass. in his traditional christmas day message, the pope spoke to catholics in china, urging them to have courage in the face of oppression. amid heightened security at the vatican, the pope prayed for a just and peaceful coexistence in the middle east. in bethlehem, an estimated 100,000 pilgrims made the journey to the birthplace of christ. officials say that's double the number that visited last year. security, as always also, was tight but the scene was calm and joyful. back in the u.s., there's a double-barreled blast of winter under way. one storm is making a mess in the south, and now a blizzard warning as a nor'easter is preparing to slam the east coast. the national weather service forecasts 11-16 inches possible from new jersey north. whiteout and blizzard conditions and wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour. for those trying to get home from their holiday visits, the dream of a white christmas might end up more of a nightmare. elaine quijano now with more. >> reporter: the punishing w

despite heightened security concerns pope benedict was able to rush in christmas.mbings at two embassies in rome and two incidents at mass in 2008 an 2009 had put officials on edge. in bethlehem thousands were celebrating not only jesus' birth. >> it is awesome. >> reporter: with a halt in fighting 20,000 more were to atten the mass this year. troops took abreact welcome santa as best they can. >> we are here doing a job. of course i will rather be home with my family and friends. >> reporter: as all around the globe family, friends and even strangers gathered to celebrate their faith and to teach the next generation the true meaning of christmas. karen brown, cbs5 news. >>> raiders hope peyton manning doesn't give them a headache on sunday. and all the one mississippi state player wanted with a popcorn but he ended up with a plane ticket next. sports is next. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, lightning fast. lightning strong. verizon 4g lte. rule the air on the most advanced 4g network in the world. manning saying to his teammates >>> have you ever watched a colts game and wondered

. >> this was pope benedict's a very personal way of seeing thank you for the warm reception he received in the u.k. last september. >> this gives us an opportunity to greet you once again, and indeed, to prepare to celebrate the birth of christ. >> in the company people on all his foreign trips this year. normally foreign correspondent said in the back. this was a rare occasion to get up close. >> well, we have said that palestine's on this program. but there has never been a thought for the day with the pope. this is the first. >> the bbc radio program and would thought for the day -- "thought for the day" is unusual. >> he gives us hope. he brings us life. >> he feels comfortable reading his prepared script. but it is evident warmth that comes across strongly. >> and in every part of the english-speaking world, and one in no that i keep you all very much in my prayers during this holiday season. >> this was not an occasion to visit the pope of were questions about anglicans coming over to the church of rome next year, nor over the ms behavior of catholic priests. this was simply wait

meanwhile at the vatican, pope benedict's is celebrating mass at st. peter's basilica. they were in a festive mood in the italian capital. children were eating candy floss. the key things going on in bethlehem -- what has been going on for the last several months now -- the iraqi christian settlements have come under attack. 50 killed in the month of october when security forces attacked a church in baghdad to free dozens who had been held hostage. those are the latest pictures from bethlehem and rome as well. staying in europe to, snow continues to paralyzed transport. passengers were evacuated as a precautionary measure because of too much snow on the roof of the terminal building. icy weather conditions that disrupted flights in belgium with severe delays in germany and poland. james francis kelly reports. >> this is christmas 2010 in charles de gaulle airport. blankets have been brought in for stranded passengers. >> we've been cost to arrange accommodation for people -- we have been asked to arrange accommodation for people stuck in the airport tonight. >> around 3

despite heightened security concerns, pope benedict the 16th was able to usher in christmas peacefully. recent package bombings at two embassies as well as security breaches during midnight mass in 2008 and 2009 had put officials on edge. in bethlehem thousands were celebrating not only jesus' birth but one of the area's most peaceful christmas within a decade. >> this is when everything started. >> with help in fighting between israelis and palestinians, 20,000 more tourists were expected this year. while in afghanistan american troops took a break to welcome santa as best they could. >> we're doing a job, we have to be here, but i'd rather be home with my family and friends. >> all around the globe including saint patrick's cathedral in new york, family, friends and strangers gathered to celebrate their faith and to teach the next generation the true meaning of christmas. karen brown, cbs news. >>> it is a tough day to be a long way from home. >> it's my first christmas away from home here in iraq. they gave us beautiful decorations and we're really enjoying it. >> more on how you an

pope benedict looking on perhaps a little bit confused. the 83-year-old. these are four acrobats known as fratelli pell greeny. they're in town for a convention on circuses organized by the vatican. let's just watch and enjoy for a moment. >> did you see that the nuns like they were at the justin bieber concert waving the hankies. >> there's the confusion. what else to say? let's go back to pope john paul a couple of years ago. not quite as good but he was equally confused when some break-dancers showed up at the vatican. this is 2006. pope john paul just completely baffled by what he's watching there. amazing. and then can we go back to the shirtless acrobats? do we have that one more time? i think it's worth it. there they are. yippee. the nuns are excited. there you have it. the fratelli pellegreeni performing for the pope. >>> a little funk added. jimmy fallon talking about president become's visit to the white house. >> in his latest effort to win support from his own party obama enlisted the services of former president clinton. >> oh, yeah. with oba

at the vatican, pope benedict xvi delivered his traditional christmas message amid tight security, following the mail bombings this week at two rome embassies. the pope prayed for lasting peace in the middle east and criticized china for limiting religious freedom. there has been some violence overseas on this christmas day in pakistan. a female suicide bomber killed at least 43 people. it happened near a northwestern check point where hundreds of people were waiting to be let into a food distribution center run by the world food program. >>> across the border in afghanistan, the commander of international forces, general david petraeus, paid christmas visits today to the troops, even the most remote units. many are involved in the fiercest fighting there, and they are finding ways to commemorate the holiday. nbc's jim maceda has spent the last month embedded with the marines and got a chance to experience christmas with them on the front lines. good evening, jim. >> reporter: hello and merry christmas from northern helmand province, arguably the most dangerous town in afghanistan at this ti

pope benedict's visit -- visit to september in december. a brief window of whether opportunity in europe seems to be shutting down again, just as international hubs clear the backlog of stranded passengers, on came the next big storm. this time, it is a paris airport that has been worst hit. one terminal had to be evacuated because of snow accumulation. in germany, some roads and rail routes are nearly impossible. >> freezing rain loaded motorways with eyes, causing numerous accidents across germany. in the eastern state of saxony, several trucks collided, and cars created a pile up as their cars lost hold on the slippery surface. at least one person died. another died in the central state where his car slid off the road and crashed into a tree. nine other vehicles were involved in the accident. travelers who took to the rails faired a little better, but there were delays. before dawn, for as an overhead power cables meant hundreds of passengers were stuck on the route from hannover to berlin. travelers put a brave face on the situation. >>

. >> at t vatican, pope benedict with the first of its kind radio address for a christmas mass held lateroday. >> britain queen elizabeth will give her annual holiday speech tomorrow. a preview of her message reveals she'll promote the benefit of sports in building communities and showing video of princes william and harry. >> and in thailand -- take a look at this -- elephants dressed as santa aus were handing out presents and entertaining children in a town of north bangkok because the kids were quick to snatch up the toys from the elephas' trunk. >> in afghanist one father is not only apart from his family but he was away when his wife gave birth to their first child but he found a way to witness the unforgettable moment. that's sergeant ken pompilli in afghanistan who spoke about witnessing his wife giving birth to their daughter reilly over the internet. it was on thanksgivg day when his wife melanie went into labor. he turned his vehicle into a mobile command center to witness. every push via skype. for the next 17 hou he sat by his wife's side 17,000 miles away. >> i felt bad he wa

pope benedict will be the guest in today's program. the thought for the day slot wants to cement the french ships established by his visit early this year. the pope says a child born in bethlehem brought liberation, not by political means. if you have some last minute christmas shopping, you are unlikely to go to another country to buy presents. but that is exactly what some swiss shoppers are doing. a week euro has provided them a bit of christmas cheer. >> it is the time of gifts in northern europe, and this year a dollop of extra german generosity is extending to the neighboring suisse. here just inside germany, and just inside the eurozone, the swiss franc is drawings with bargain hunters. they like the exchange rates. and they like the fact that they can reclaim the tax on german purchases. this shopper says swiss people come because of the low euro and because with every item bought the get a ticket with which they can reclaim a 19% sales tax. the swiss drive across the border, part of the german stores, and then return with their

. >>> pope benedict is poised to kick off the christmas season with midnight mass at st. asilica. tomorrow, the pope is offering his traditional christmas blessing at the vatican. >>> and thousands of christian pilgrims are planning to celebrate christmas at the site of jesus' birth in bethlehem. >>> and the north america air defense command is getting in the christmas spirit by tracking santa claus, as they do every year. norad displays santa's journey online, and tells children about his progress. cool to watch that, on christmas eve. you can start tracking him now. >> all the local meteorologists get into it. and tracking exactly which community is going to be h when the k when the kids should go to bed. >>> for some of you, your local news is next. >> for everyone else, a little something to listen to on the road today. that's when "america this morning" continues, right after this. if your racing thoughts keep you awake... sleep is here, on the wings of lunesta. and if you wake up often in the middle of the night... rest is here, on the wings of lunesta. lunesta helps

. >> despite heightened security concerns, pope benedict xvi was able to usher in christmas peacefully recent package bombings at two embassies in rome, as well as security breaches during midnight mass in 2008 and 2009 had put officials on edge. in bethlehem, thousands were celebrating not only jesus' birth but one of the area's most peaceful christmases in a decade. >> it is awesome. i mean it is where everything started. >> reporter: with the halt in fighting between the israelis and palestinians, 20,000 more tourists were expected this year. while in afghanistan, american troops took a break from the fighting, to welcome santa as best they could. >> we're here doing our job. and we have to be here during the deployment, but of course, i would rather be home with my family and friends. >> reporter: all around the globe, including saint patrick's cathedral this new york, family and friends and even strangers gathered to celebrate their faith. and to teach the next generation the true meaning of christmas. karen brown, cbs news. >>> in a community like ours, people should not go hungr

in his christmas day message, pope benedict xvi said he prayed that christmas will strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful in mainland china, despite the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience. chinese foreign ministry spokesperson jiang yu responded on tuesday. >> translator: we hope the pope will recognize the truth about religious freedom in china and the development of catholicism in this country. we also hope the pope will act to improve the vatican's relations with china. >> things between the vatican and china have been thorny for years, especially when it comes to the right to appoint bishops. this year, china's catholic church ordained a bishop who was not approved by the vatican. >>> japanese prime minister naoto kan is facing a bumpy ride into 2011. he's trying to appease a rival faction with his ruling democratic party. and he's also dealing with a powerful opposition block that's tret threatening to bring business in the country's diet to a grinding halt. the answer to both of these problems seems to be a cabinet reshuffl

pope benedict xvi offered renewed apologies about the problem and promised new guidelines for handling allegations of abuse. faith-based charities scrambled to meet needs in the wake of several humanitarian disasters. here in the u.s., social service groups tried to help people along the gulf coast after the devastating bp oil spill. in pakistan, religious relief groups rushed to deliver aid after a summer of massive flooding that has left an estimated 4 million people still homeless. and for nearly a year now, faith-based grps he ben actively working in haiti, providing emergency aid and helping to rebuild after the january 12th earthquake which killed more than 220,000 people and displaced almost 2 million. a rising cholera epidemic is complicating those efforts. >>> kim, many thanks for that. to you and to kevin eckstrom and to e.j. dionne, welcome. >> thanyou. >> i wanto geto chuhes d politics and economics, jobs, in just a minute, but first, kevin, what do you make all of this islamophobia? >> it's an extraordinary place for us to be in 2010. the most extreme example you can think

pope benedict led christmas eve mass at st. peter's basilica. security was tight after yesterday's bombings at two foreign embassies in rome and attempted attacks on the pope during each of the last two christmas eve masses. pilgrims flocked to bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of jesus. the crowds were the biggest in ten years due to the drop in violence between palestinians and israelis. in europe, thousands won't be home for christmas. a new batch of snow has left them stranded. more than a third of all flights were canceled today at charles de gaulle airport in paris. travelers are sleeping on cots there tonight. making matters worse, there's a shortage of de-icing fluid. new supplies had to be flown in from the u.s. bad weather is also complicating holiday travel plans in this country. a huge storm system is moving through the nation's mid-section dumping plenty of snow in the north and heavy rain in texas. and by tomorrow, the southeast could experience something it may dream about, but rarely gets: a white christmas. don teague has tha

pope benedict recited a prayer for peace, leading the mass under heightened security. >>> still ahead as we continue this holiday evening, an extraordinary before and after. we all remember those images from a more bitter time, bussing in boston. and on this christmas, how these children are trying to rewrite history. >>> and, bing crosby beware? could this be true? why this year, a 10-year-old from pittsburgh, there she is, is taking on bing crosby himself. >>> and later here, a quiz for you all. just how old is rudolph? just how many elves really help santa? will your answers match our "person of the week"? zantac. it's strong, fast lasting relief. so let them turn up the heat. you can stop that heartburn cold: (sssssssss!!!) zantac. you can stop that heartburn cold: (sssssssss!!!) ah, it's stinging a little bit more than usual! yeah, you'll get used to it. the longer you keep your high mileage car, the more it pays you back. get castrol gtx high mileage. it helps engines last longer by fighting the main causes of engine failure. i think a dime went up my nose. yeah, it happens. don

in his christmas address pope benedict has called for an end to end wars and urgent israelis and palestinians to resolve their conflict ahead of the catholic church also targeted beijing accusing it of meddling in the affairs of his church called for peace in somalia dar floor and the ivory coast and offered the prayers for those hit by natural disasters in latin america the pope delivers to such addresses the pope delivers a threat such address as twice a year christmas and easter. and as the world is celebrating christmas some are more concerned with what they call impending armageddon one man who learned of the threat from ancient texts has taken it upon himself to guarantee the survival of humanity failing that his invention can always be turned into an eighty thousand dollars sauna or takes a look. the ancient mayan calendar predicts that on twenty first of december twenty twelve the world will and. suffer cataclysmic events floods in the earthquakes that will wipe out almost everyone but some are getting ready to survive the apocalypse a few kilometers outside of moscow on an abandoned

pope benedict the sixteenth hasn't welcomed in christmas with the traditional midnight mass in st peter's basilica the vatican earlier the pontiff began the holiday by lighting a candle in his window overlooking st peter's square heavy rain that smaller crowds than usual security was tighter this time as well following a lot of bombings at embassies in rome this week. even though it's the season of goodwill there is a chill in the air in the baltic states and it's all because of the origins of the christmas spruce probably proclaims to be the first but its neighbor says that they're barking up the wrong tree. boyko investigates. it's a white christmas in a stone and lot there a fluffy snow paralyzed and mulled wine all the ingredients of the proper christmas spirit and instead of gifts there is that pile of historic arguments on the tree the two neighbors are in a bitter dispute over who was first to come up with the festive for. the tree here in the reader sasha helps her daughter decorate her fourth christmas tree there in no doubt whose spirit shines the brightest and for the longest t

pope benedict the sixty is welcoming in christmas with the traditional midnight mass in st peter's basilica in the vatican earlier the pontiff began the holiday by lighting a candle in his window overlooking st peter's square heavy rain means that traditionally large crowds are less than usual security is tighter this time as well for two years running a woman managed to breach the barriers and lunge at the pope also there have been letter bombings and a season in rome this week. even though it's the season of goodwill there is a chill in the air in the baltic states and it's all because of the origins of the christmas spruce latvia probably claims to be the first but its neighbor says they're barking up the wrong tree or he's on a boyko explains. it's a white christmas in a stone in latvia with fluffy snow paralyzed and mulled wine all the ingredients of the proper christmas spirit and instead of gifts there is a pile of historic arguments on that tree the two neighbors are in a bitter dispute over who was first to come up with the festive fur. that's lined up the tree here in riga sasha h

denmark while the wintry weather is also shut the sold off airport in germany a live event of pope benedict the sixteenth as you say in these live pictures one for the christmas with the traditional midnight mass in st peter's basilica in the vatican earlier the pontiff began the holiday by multi candle in this window overlooking st peter's square heavy rain is meant the traditionally large crowds are a little less than usual security is tight this year as well you may recall for two years running nuns to reach barriers and lunged at the pope also the letter bombings its embassies and its last live pictures there from the bat. and of course if you will some christmas revenue around the world very best wishes for me kevin owen and the rest of the ati news team. well even though it is the season of goodwill there is a chill in the air in the baltic states it seems in all because of the origins of the christmas spruce latvia probably proclaims to be the first but its neighbors say then packing up the wrong tree xander boyd her explains a bit more for you. it's a white christmas in a stone in l

. >> pope benedict welcomed christmas to remember the birth of jesus. y recall mentally ill woman attacked him last year. there were no incidents and bodyguards escorted the pope to stopping to bless babies. >>> back here at home. vice president joe biden says he believes america is evolving on the issue of same-sex marriage. he made his remarks on "good morning america" this morning. he compared with what is happening with same-sex marriage with what has happened to gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. it comes after the bill of don't ask, don't tell policy. >> i think the country is evolving. think i there is an flfbl built on the national consensus on day giarj. that is my view. >> same-sex marriage remains illegal in most states. president obama said that his views are still evolving. >>> they are sometimes called the working poor, people with job but not enough income to support their families. according to an agency in san francisco, it is a growing problem. david louie reports on how the agency is making a difference. >> maria runs th

in may and back, 810 name just a few hours ago pope benedict gave his christmas message, he's telling catholics in china to courageously faced limits on freedom. it comes to retentions that the plant between them the vatican. of a trend is defiance over the pope's authority. benedick to encourage people living in the world's trouble spots to treat strength and comfort a christmas. >> the top top commander in afghanistan is crisscrossing visiting troops in the main battlefronts it is a show of appreciation and support and is the 10th year of the war. channeled david pretorius started his visit by telling troops there was no place he would rather be than were the focus of the effort is. he handed out coins, to the troops his search for more than three years since 911, several models. >> president barack obama is spending christmas at his rented oceanfront home in hawaii spending the day with a family in sister. as well as childhood friends, mrs. obama yesterday in through calls for the tracking santa program. she get children informed about his whereabouts as he made his rounds, obama e

this morning, we show >>> pope benedict xvi attended the midnight mass. had he led a procession up and down the aisle without incident. there was is concern because? recent days of incidents at two roman embassies. this year nothing disrupted the services. he recalled the better of jesus and called on people to become more like him. >>> in downtown san jose christmas was celebrated with a special midnight mass. >>> that is not the video. that is another story we are going to tell you about, but there was a christmas eve that hundreds took part in the cathedral of st. joseph's. it became aish irish as early as 1803. we'll show you that picture, ain't oakland man, he is celebrating a christmas because his dog was reunited with him. they ran away last week when a contractor left the door open. one dog was found earlier this week with a broken leg but he is home pending another visit to the vet on monday. a woman recognized the other dog on a lost dog notice. she gave him a bath and called brad. >> you heard of the grinch that stole christmas. one family is l

washington arch bishop's first trip back home since being elevated by pope benedict at the vatican. he said his 18 years as bishop sponsored a love and respect. >> i have tremendous love for people in pittsburgh here across the bord not just the people of the catholic church but the people hi a chance to work with over all those years and i think part of it has to do with just having been around that long. >> he is a steelers fan. celebrated mass at a church where he grew up. >>> coming up next. >>> broken heartedded. mourning the death of a celebrated fashion designer found strangled in a swanky new york hotel. i'm bruce leshan. the story coming up. >>> friends and family turn out to remember a fashion driver killed in a new york apartment. >>> food and drug administration revisiting weather mercury in dental fillings can actually be dangerous. >>> an update on the murder of the celebrity fashion designer. >> that's right. grief stricken friends and family today celebrated the life of the 33 year old who grew up right here in the mclean area. new at 5:30 p.m. bruce leshan talks to

. >> reporter: in vatican city tonight, thousands came out to celebrate midnight mass with pope benedicton this sacred night for catholics, the pope called for the faithful to live more like jesus and become people of peace. tonight's service went smoothly after security breaches the last two years. rome is under a heightened state of security a day after bombings rocked two embassies in the italian capitol. security will be extra tight, there will be more police, metal detectors and inspections of bags and backpacks. police are also on edge after the explosion the in the swiss and the chilean embassy. italian anarchists are claiming responsibility for those attacks, but authorities are not clear what they want. >> to create noise. to grab headlines. to say that we're here and we can strike wherever we want and however we want. >> analysts don't believe there's an international anarchist movement. >>> back in the u.s., vice president joe biden says the country is evolving when it comes to same-sex marriage. today the vice president said the same thing is happening with gay marriage issue

you sang for his holiness pope benedict. you sang "i dreamed a dream" during a papal mass.never thought that i would get to meet his holiness because it's not something that happens to everyone. and i never thought i'd be singing at the papal mass because again it's not something everybody gets a chance to do. i felt very honored and proud. >> larry: and you also recently appeared for prince charles at the pride of britain awards. what do you think about the engagement of prince william and kate middleton? >> i think it's wonderful. good for the country. it's a feel-good thing because everybody's talking about depression, about poverty and everything else. it's good for the country. i think it's good for the country. >> larry: i would not be shocked if you were asked to sing at the wedding. i would not be shocked. in fact, i'd bet one or two on it. >> i think that's something you have to wait. >> larry: i just have a feeling. you are a woman of modest means and now you've had this amazing success, extraordinary sales, the album going through the roof. have you done anything