the pope doesn't need to wear seat belts because if the pope gets in an accident jesus deploys.laughter) and if the pope had a little too much of the sacrament, jesus can turn the wine back into water so he doesn't get a d.u.i . speaking of alcohol, folks... (cheers and applause) thank you. my final judgment involves a controversial new billboard. >> the billboards came down hours after the anti-definition league publicly called them offensive. the ads touting the polish spired wodka claimed it had christmas quality at chanukah pricing. (audience reacts). >> stephen: yes. christmas quality, chanukah pricing. now, some say this ad is offensive to christians and jews and maybe even muslims because if you look closely, that dog is an afghan. (laughter) so is this ad offensive? yahweh or no way? yahweh! ♪ hallelujah... ladies and gentlemen, i am personally offended that wodka claims their $9 potato peel bathtub hooch is christmas quality. christmas is not about getting blitzed on vodka, it's about getting blitzed on eggnog. rum balls, rum nothing and egg balls. every holiday has its

. >> gregory the great just happened to be pope.hed this revised version of mary magdalene in the year 591, his sermon turned her into a fallen woman for the next 1,400 years. while mary magdalene was being downgraded, mary of nazareth was getting her own makeover -- one that some say fills a primal need. >> what we need is to be able to conceive of the sacred, of the divine, without gender. until we reach that stage -- and we're not there yet -- just as the ancients needed a goddess, so do we, too. and mary becomes that goddess. [ woman ] my boyfriend and i were going on vacation, so i used my citi thank you card to pick up some accessories. a new belt. some nylons. and what girl wouldn't need new shoes? we talked about getting a diamond. but with all the thank you points i've been earning... ♪ ...i flew us to the rock i really had in mind. ♪ [ male announcer ] the citi thank you card. earn points you can use for travel on any airline, with no blackout dates. ♪ ♪ >> a pilgrim from a religion other than christianity could be forgive

. >> gregory the great just happened to be pope. version of mary magdalene in the year 591, his sermon turned her into a fallen woman for the next 1,400 years. while mary magdalene was being downgraded, mary of nazareth was getting her own makeover -- one that some say fills a primal need. >> what we need is to be able to conceive of the sacred, of the divine, without gender. until we reach that stage -- and we're not there yet -- just as the ancients needed a goddess, so do we, too. and mary becomes that goddess. ♪ relieving heat patch. it blocks pain signals for deep relief precisely where you need it most. precise. only from the makers of tylenol. no, i wouldn't use that single miles credit card. hey, aren't you... shhh. i'm researching a role. today's special... the capital one venture card. you earn double miles on every purchase. impressive. chalk is a lost medium. if you're not earning double miles... you're settling for half. was that really necessary? [ male announcer ] get the venture card at capitalone.com and earn double

but i can't approve of this because i'm the pope.f i go against this, it looks as if i'm going against the bible. and i'm going to shake to the foundation the belief of the world, and the world's christians, not just catholics." >> safer: just 380 years later, in 1992, pope john paul ii apologized for the galileo affair. his successor, benedict xvi, has sought middle ground in the centuries-old skirmishes between the church and science. in a recent sermon, he said even the big bang theory of the creation of the universe is not in conflict with faith because god's mind was behind it. >> this is the tricky, the tricky part... >> safer: and backstage at the pope's library, science is brought to bear on crumbling books, as restoration workers deal with water damage, mold and the ravages of time. it seems endless, this work, yes? >> angela nunez gaetan: it's endless, yes, obviously. >> safer: angela gaetan and the others go inch by inch, patching and strengthening ancient pages, scratching off paste put on by well-meaning restorers centur

greg, what is the pope's christmas message?> i think we'll know more in 15-20 minutes when he gives his homily during the mass. we got some inkling earlier this week, when he talked about the joy that faith gives people and danger when people try to live their lives as if god didn't exist. pope will speak on christmas when he has worldwide audience. he talks about the plight of christians that are being persecuted. so i expect we'll hear about christians in other parts of the countries of the world. but i think that is one of the things there and the pope this evening he put a candle out on a windowsill reminding people to pray during this christmas period. >> heather: he is almost 85 years old. how is he holding up? >> that's right. he will turn 85 next april. he seems to be holding up all right. they tried to make his life easier with some of the appointments. when he came into this mass about five minutes ago he was rolled in. he used to walk in, but it's a big church. anybody who has been to st. peters knows that and they h

for the pope, christmas is like a double-header. there's that mass on christmas eve and then a very big day christmas day. the message and the blessings from the balcony over st. peter's square with lots of people showing up. the pope's message today was really quite simple. let's pray for peace, be close to those who are suffering, either through violence or through natural disasters. the pope spoke about the violence, and also praying that the israelis and palestinians could get dialogue started again. pope benedict also praying asking for stability in iraq and afghanistan. there was absolutely an overflow crowd in st. peter's square as there always is on this day but, perhaps, especially today because the weather was so good. amazing just a number of flags you see there as the pope gave his greeting in so many languages. you'd hear him say merry christmas in korean and the group of koreans would be there shouting and it was like that the entire time. very, very interested in showing how universal it is and what a draw rome and th

plus, the pope delivers a christmas message of peace, but not everybody is listening. i'm jamie colby in for harris falkner and this is the fox report. terrorists unleash a wave of deadly attacks and christmas worshippers among their targets. in minutes, fox reports who is now claiming responsibility and why the atmosphere of fear would intensify. >> also, new strains on a fragile democracy days after our combat crews leave iraq. vice-president joe biden doing some diplomatic heavy lifting as worries about sectarian violence grows. and doctors said she'd never walk again, but she refused to stop trying. i just thought, you know what? this can't be all there is, there's got to be more technology and got to be getter doctors and i'm going to find it. >>' shies the final outcome was a medical miracle. >> but first from fox tonight. he was a hero in afghanistan, a purple heart who survives a suicide bombing attack, only to be shot in the back at his welcome home party, two days after returning to california. 22-year-old army specialist christopher sullivan was celebrating

this year pope benedict switched on the lights to the vatican christmas tree. the tree extends up a hillside for 820 yards in italy. this has been a tradition to light the tree on december 7. the pope said me everyone become the light to those next to him. >> mitt romney attacks president obama. he's trying to convince the party he is conservative enough to be their nominee. >> losing ground and running at a time, mitt romney is fighting to convince conservatives he is the man to take on president obama. >> i don't think he understands america. >> mitt romney when on the offensive in a forum in washington. he was well received as he slammed the president for being too tough on israel. >> he seems to be more generous to our enemies. that is the tendency of somebody who is unsure of their own strengths. ismitt romney's strange waning -- strength is waning at the wrong time. >> how many of you believe we need fundamental change? >> conservatives questioned whether mitt romney is conservative enough. >> he is now attacking the speaker on family values. >> i will be

and pope benedict xvi delivering his message at st.side of the world our troops celebrating christmas away from their families, while others are reunited with their loved ones in nick of time. and across the world, people lighting up the town. ♪ >> you've got to love it. talking about a roundup of the best christmas lights display here on "fox & friends" which starts right now. ♪ >> done me now our gay apparel, fa-la-la-la-la ♪ ♪ the ancient yuletide carol, if a la la la, la la la la ♪ ♪ see the blazing yule before us, fa-la-la-la-la la ♪ >> merry christmas everybody, good sunday morning, thank you for starting off with "fox & friends," i'm dave briggs. >> kelly: i'm kelly write. >> dave: in for clayton. >> ainsley: i'm in for alisyn. >> dave: and favorite christmas traditions, what have you got. >> kelly: to me, christmas morning getting the kids up and pray before we actually open the presents and like they're anticipating --. >> dave: are your kids excited at 21. >> kelly: still excited at 21 and 24, michael and morgan are excited a

the pope dedicated part of the message to eastern africa.eople there are suffering from food shortages and a fragile security situation. he also prayed for flood victims in thailand and other places. >> translator: may the lord come to the aid of our world, torn by so many conflicts, which even today stain the earth with blood. may the prince of peace grant pace and stability to that land where he chose to come into the world and encourage resumption of dialogue. may he bring an end to violence in syria where so much blood has already been shed. >> the pope also called for greater political dialogue in myanmar. after the message, he recited a holiday greeting in 65 languages. >>> that wraps up this edition of "newsline." i'm catherine kobayashi in tokyo. tokyo. thanks for joining us. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com

the pope presided over the traditional midnight mass last night. in his message, specifically he asked them to remember the "essence of christmas" rather than the commercial holiday it has become. >>> also in russia, hundreds of families gathered to welcome -- there he is -- that's father frost. it's their version of santa claus. marking his arrival, the christmas tree. moscow's parks were lit up all at once. >>> this debate comes every time this year. interesting numbers for you. what should we say -- what did you say? do you say merry christmas or happy holidays? a new poll asked americans who what they prefer. it found that 2/3 of americans would rather say "merry christm christmas" than "happy holidays." older americans overwhelmingly choose "merry christmas." 74% to 22%. bonnie, what do you say? >> happy holidays. i celebrate hanukkah. a lot of people say merry christmas to me. i don't mind. season's greetings, always nice to hear. >> that is a wonderful christmas dress you have going on. >> thank you, t.j. good to see you. merry christmas. >>

. >> can we talk a little bit about the pope's visit in this sense? it was abraham maik in character. abraham founded three religions, correct? >> false. >> he did not. >> no. >> what ded. >> obeyed it from awah, and follow them whatever they believed. >> what are you attacking my verb founded. >> the three religions were pounded. >> that's not true. >> no. >> why was that widely public litigationed in connection with the pope's visit. >> you could say it in a common way, we have common roots, that you could say. as jesus said abraham actually looked forward to his day, to the day of jesus. >> do you see abraham as a prophet? >> yes, abraham as a prophet and from him descended jesus, jesus and mohammad. >> i want to go right to the point, though. the pope apparently, notwithstanding your keen insight -- >> yes, he didn't phone me about it. [laughter] >> notwithstanding that, i have the impression that he wanted to show by his visit over there and he also wanted to get into iraq and he wanted to go but for political reasons he could not do so, regretta

. >> pope benedict issued a call for peace in the wake of the attacks in nigeria. in his annual christmas day message, the pope called for an end to violence in syria. >>> in west bank town of bethlehem, hundreds attended christmas mass. the holy city saw an increase in visitors this year. an estimated 100,000 tourists were there. >>> in iraq this morning, six people were killed. the bomber struck during this morning's rush hour. over 30 others were wounded. the attack followed a wave of explosions last week that killed over 70. the group that calls itself anonymous says it hacked a i think tank over the holiday. they claim they stole the personal information from stratfor, a texas-based firm. clients include apple, the miami police department and u.s. air force. the department of defense told cbs news there has been, quote, no impact on pentagon networks. >>> a christmas tragedy in texas. seven members of one family were found shot to death. police say it was murder and suicide and happened after they finished opening presents. selena hernandez of ktvt, our statio

you can really tell the pope's not married, can't you, huh? laughter ] guys, you try to -- "present? why, honey, i gave you the gift of me. [ laughter ] oh!" [ applause ] anyway president -- president obama did some christmas shopping at a a best buy in virginia yesterday, and they always say what the president bought. "oh, he got the girls two video games." why do they say that? they ruin it. but anyway, they showed him at the best buy, and there was one uncomfortable moment for the president. i don't know if you saw -- take a look. >> so, let's see if my credit card still works. [ beep ] all right. >> sorry, mr. president -- [ beep ] >> jay: oh -- ooh, $15 trillion over. [ cheers and applause ] earlier this week, venezuelan president hugo chavez called president obama a clown and an embarrassment. hey, let me tell you, you don't talk about our president that way. our vice president, sure, that would be fine, but not -- [ laughter ] not our president. oh, how about this? this annoyed me. wisconsin congressman jim sensenbrenner is now apologiz

peters basilica, pope benedict xvi urged the faithful to discover the true meaning.he pope said that christmas' commercialization obscures the message of christ's birth. the mass kicks off two weeks of appearances. mass was moved up to spare the pope a late night. >> in the bay area, police officers and firefighters are collecting toys for san francisco's forgotten children. they're hoping to gather more than 10,000 toys. christmas festivities got underway at the union scare -- ewan union square restaurant. >> a struggle to be able to get food so i'm trying to teach them to be happy and thankful for what they get. >> tomorrow the officers will distribute the toys to homeless and needy children on the streets of san francisco. organizers say this year the need has been feater than ever. they are still accepting toys if you happen to be driving by lucky0s today. >> a record number of people are keeping tabs on santa. the big man's trackers at nor rad say they're fielding 4,000 calls an hour. we have a link to the santa tracker on abc7news.com. click on "see it on tv".

thought to be the largest of its kind in the world. >>> you know you're really out of it when the pope is using an ipad before you are. i'm technologically, you know, challenged. >> you have used one before. >> i have used one before but i don't own one. >> i doubt the pope is sitting there at home playing, you know, the games. >> angry birds? words with friends? >>> it's time for an early look at stories we'll follow throughout the day here on nbc. former new jersey governor jon corzine is expected to face fierce questioning at a congressional hearing examining the brokerage firm's bankruptcy and the search for $1.2 billion in missing customer money. >>> sotheby's in new york will preview items to be auctioned next week, including a personal check signed by george washington, sheet music handwritten by duke ellington and charlie chaplain's bowler hat. >>> on this day in 1980 former beatle john lennon was shot to death outside his new york city apartment building. >>> all day long you can stay on top of the very latest developments in those stories and others as they break on msnbc. to

and at the vatican pope benedict and at the vatican pope benedict lit a can candle in his window. the pope said the simplicity of christ birth is being obscured by christmas. >> axelrod: coming up on tonight's cbsnews. an iraqi translator fearing for his life after the departure of the u.s. troops he helped. >> hi i am tech sergeant onica banks and i want to give a shout-out to my family in san antonio texas. i love you, i miss you, merry christmas, happy holidays. >> axelrod: it didn't take long but within days of the last u.s. troops leaving iraq's a wave of violence swept through baghad this week. at least 16 bombs exploded thursday in shiite neighborhoods, killing about 70 people and wounding another 200. last week we met one iraqi worried about his safety because he had worked for the americans. in a follow-up tonight elizabeth palmer tells us about his spiking fear. >> reporter: just days after the u.s. withdrew the last troops from iraq and the political battle raging between the shiite prime minister and suni vice president, this new violence invoked fears that this countr

peter's basilica which is packed and pope benedict basically uses christmas as a teaching opportunityals and the bishops in exchange of christmas greetings, the pope talked about how the faith should bring joy to people's lives and when people don't have it, what a kind of desert it is. he talked about the fatigue in certain parts of europe and hearing about the joyous parts in the coming week and how it brings life and like to people and earlier this evening, the pope placed a candle on his window sill in silence and just a short time ago, that is to remind people to pray for peace during this period. he also blessed them with the candle. st. peter's square where the pope was, once again, will be center of attention over the next couple of weeks and the life size nativity seen has been unveiled and it's an interesting one this year, much like the one you see in bethlehem and only bigger and the idea that christ was born in a grotto or a cave. the center of attraction, not only for children, but so many pilgrims and tourists in rome and finally, jamie, it's a busy period for the pope

it's very interesting what the pope had to say. don't get blinded by the bright lights, the commercial side of christmas. he said, there is a whole spiritual side of this which has to be recognized. he said see through the superficial glitter of the season and to be at the true joy, to receive the true joy, the true light of christ coming. he also talked about the humility necessary in order to previous and in order to accept christ. he actually spoke about that basilica of the nativity in bethlehem and how it's a very small door, you have to lean down to get in there. he said christians need that kind of humility on a night like tonight. >> there has been some concern about the pope's health. how is he doing? >> well, not too bad. this ceremony tonight was two hours. for somebody who is 84, he's going to be 85 in april, he looked tired, but i think that's natural. one of the things they have done to try to help him out is they have a sort of stand wheeled platform which he goes into saint peter's and out of saint peter's on that.

the pope focused on the middle east in his traditional christmas day message today. hoping for an end to the bloodshed, specifically, in syria, also, asking for the resumption of israeli and palestinian peace talks. and our greg burke is still standing by, streaming live from rome. hi, greg, merry christmas. >> reporter: jamie, that's right. you know, merry christmas, the pope, basically making a major plea for peace as you say, especially, in the middle east. the land where christ himself was born and it is an incredible crowd this morning, in and around st. peter's square lake and a crowd from all over the world as he gave his christmas greeting in more than 60 languages, he starts with italian and ends with latin and, chinese and arabic and everything in between, and, as he wishes everyone a happy and healthy christmas and two main messages, today it was about peace, praying for an end to so many places where there is violence, but, also, praying for people and asking krifrjs chris pray for people, involved in natural disasters and during this period it is importa

and we do have a pope. and we do have bishops. and they are the ash tr b arbit.he mass belongs to the church. and i am call today be an official representative of the church. it's not for me to change. it's for me to do it as effectively as well as possible. >> in a statement, the u.s. bishops said there is "an openness and readiness to receive the new text." some priests clearly aren't ready yet. >> at some point, i will be required to teach the congregation about what is coming. and i cannot lie to the people. i cannot pretend to be enthusiastic about a translation that i don't believe in. i will say what needs to be said, but i will have to say to those people whom i love that my heart isn't in it. and i dread saying that. >> but, for now it seems, catholics will have to learn to live with the changes whether they like them or not. >> this past year, there was a wave of new books examining age old questions about the afterlife. do heaven and held really exist? what are they like and who goes where. one of the best selling of these books was pastor robb bell. i

peter's square today to hear pope benedict's christmas blessings.he pontiff called for an end to the violence in syria and pressed for the resumptions of peace talks in the middle east. he also urges the world to continue helping those suffering from famine in africa and to pray for those affected by flooding in thailand and the philippines. the pope concluded his message by delivering christmas greetings in 65 different languages. >>> and thousands also gathered for mass at the birthplace of jesus in bethlehem this morning. the city has seen a steady increase in tourism around the christmas holiday. officials estimate nearly 300,000 tourists will visit the historic city some time during this holiday season. >>> a developing story now that we're following. a deadly christmas morning in nigeria. two explosions struck catholic churches near nigeria's capital. the first blast left 35 people dead when a bomb went off during a crowded christmas mass. a second explosion struck another church. residents there say dozens were injured, but further details ar

the pope faces an especially busy holiday schedule in the coming days. and those who have met with him say they found him weaker than they have ever seen him and he seems too tired to engage in what they are saying. benedict turns 85 next year. >>> meteorologist jim bernard is standing by. people want snow in fair forecast and you are not delivering. >> not delivering any snow. not tonight and not in the next week either as it looks like it won't be a white christmas for much of california, except downtown by the civic center where they hauled in snow today. we have a dry pattern setting up once again. mostly clear tonight, slightly cooler. we'll see patchy fog, but that's about it. the cool and dry pattern will continue through the christmas holiday, which means we'll be high and dry through next weekend as well in the sierra probably not looking at any snow in that time frame either as we see a stagnant air pattern once again. setting up across southern california, which means we have a spare the air alert up for tomorrow with unhealthy air quality. ex

due to declining health the pope put baltimore arch bishop o'brien to succeed cardinal foley. he was born in darby, pennsylvania. he was a man to explain what a pope would do visiting america and why. >>> yes, it was chilly out there this afternoon. it was a gorgeous day. hopefully you enjoyed it. maryland's radar not showing any rain. we are not going to get any rain in here any time soon. we are looking at the temperatures. it is definitely getting colder. temperature in baltimore coming in at 35 degrees. easton 34. 33 hagerstown. 28 frederick. york 25. through the rest of the evening around here the temperatures will be in the 30s. clear skies. cold air remains in place. it is going to be warming up. i'll tell you how warm it will get. there is showers in the forecast. that's all coming up. >> thank you very much. >>> democracy 2012. fall out from the abc republican presidential debate continues this hour. new gop front runner newt gingrich definitely the main target as the candidates debated in iowa. he was prepared to defend himself and he did. he also went on the attack.

. >>> pope benedict xvi paid for peace. the previous night the pope urged listeners to focus on christmas. >>> jennifer hudson and her family held a toy drive near chicago. jennifer and her sister passed out toys to families who needed help. >>> the hudson family has helped similar toy give aways in the past. >>> news time is 5:15, weather news, severe wind storm brought down trees and power lines across washington state. pulled crews away from families and forced the families to come up with a plan b when it came to cooking dinners. one driver tried to slam on his brakes to have power pole fall behind him. another couple got home to find power was out as well. >> we didn't expect anything like that. >> thousands are still in the dark this morning. >>> we've got winds, 20, 30 miles per hour. down to 44 baltimore. 0s on the west and north side -- 30s on the west and north side. see the core of the cool air, it's not that cold with mid-20s in chicago and pushing 38 in atlanta, georgia. push ing south and east. return flow as

. >> and pope benedict xvi lit a candle in his window. a traditional sign of peace. a few hours later he celebrated the traditional christmas eve mass. ♪ >> and more than 100,000 tourists and pilgrims backed bethlehem to celebrate the traditional christmas mass, the christmas nativity at the birthplace of jesus. chuck severson, abc news. >> he survived a suicide bombing in afghanistan but a soldier in southern california could not escape gunfire at his birthday -- homecoming party. he is paralyzed and critically injured after two bullets shattered his spine. they say his brother got into an argument with another party-goer in san bernardino. soldier was shot when he tried to brake up the fight. he was home on leave and planned to go to college of a completing his army service. >> explosions ripped through nigeria this christmas day. a suicide bomber targeted four churches in the northeastern part of the african country. at least 25 people died in one attack where a bomber detonated his car. many others are said tore dead or hut. last christmas eve bombs rocked the co

. >> and pope benedict xvi lit a candle in his window. a few hours later he celebrated the traditional christmas eve mass. . ♪ >> and more than 100,000 tour efforts and pilgrams backed bethlehem to celebrate the traditional christmas mass, the christmas nativity at the birthplace of jesus. chuck severson, abc news. >> he survived a bombing in afghanistan but a soldier in southern california could not escape gunfire at his birthday party. two bullets shattered his spine. they say his brother got into an argument with another party-goer in san bernardino. soldier was shot when he tried to brake up the fight. he was home on leave and planned to go to college of a completing his army service. >>> a bay area family is turning tragedy into the gift of life. 23-year-old coral buttly junior was shot and his car set on fire in west oakland lasts week. today surgeons will transplant his organs to help six other people survive. >> i'm 23 years old. >> recently graduating from a merchant marine training program is one of charles butler's proudest mom

it is the world tree of pope. i do not know if any of you know this, but last year, the tree was named one of the top 10 most beautiful trees by american express traveler. the word is getting out about history, filled with wonderful wishes. we were asked to say a few words about why origami and why trees. i will turn it over to my sister. >> the inspiration for the origami crane, the cream is a symbol of water life and happiness in japan -- the crane is a symbol of water life and happiness in japan. when a woman was dying of leukemia after the bomb dropped in hiroshima, she created the crane as a symbol of peace. the symbol has resonated with so many people. we've got a lot of people to come in and write wishes and put them on the crane. there are over 7000 cranes on the tree, 13,000 stars to add some more sparkle and help with the wishes up to the heavens. so, we are really grateful we have the ability to create this gift for the city of san francisco. we would like to thank everybody who helped us. there are som

in rome, the pope gave his traditional message to the world with a prayer for peace.und the world people are celebrating in their own ways, from the sunshine of australia, to the sand in india. and in afghanistan, midnight mass for u.s. troops. >> it's sad being away from my family at christmas, but it's nice being here with all my brothers and sisters in the armed services. >> i want to wish everyone back in seattle and florida a very merry christmas and happy new year. >> reporter: far from home, it's in everyone's thoughts. big crowds turning out for the royal family's traditional visit to church. prince charles said his father was doing well, and is very determined. nbc news, london. >>> in san francisco today, the salvation army spread cheer to home-bound residents of the city, bringing a hot meal to their doorstep. volunteers helped prepare 5,400 meals. most of the people volunteer every year and say they don't mind putting off their own christmas celebrations because more than two-thirds of seniors in san francisco live alone and need their help. >> a lot of pe

stay not only to him and his family, but also to the pope. stay with us. news >> 7-year-old boy who fell 60 feet from a chair lift at the sugar bowl ski resort sadly died. accident happened sunday while practicing with ski team. boy was treated at reno hospital. his name and hometown has not been released. ski resort says an inspector check the chair lift and found no malfunction. >>> huge embarrassment for the city of san francisco and pg&e when candlestick park went dark last night on national television as we reported to you twice. assumption was that flash of light that you see flight was a transformer exploding. it turns out that's no the what happened. the first outage was traced to a supplies that failed in a line. pg&e thinks the someplace was an emergency repair, however the utility said today that the record of any repair to that supplies are missing. more on all of this from vick lee. >>reporter: at 5:18 lightning like flash of light northwest of candlestick. lights went off. 20 minutes before the opening kick off. tens of thousands of fans sat

peter's square square at the vatican this morning to hear pope benedict's annual christmas message toled for an end to the violence in syria and a resumption of israeli/palestinian peace talks. at last night's midnight mass, the pope lamented the commercialization of christmas. >>> the last combat troops to leave iraq arrived home in time for the holiday. family and friends were on hand at ft. hood in texas to welcome back the nearly 200 soldiers who arrived in the u.s. even earlier than expected. >>> north korea's military is closing ranks around kim jong-il's successor and they've begun referring to his son as the supreme leader of the military. it is considered crucial if he's going to consolidate control to assign north korea's military first policy. >>> and it was 20 years ago today that mikhail gorbachev announced that he would be stepping down as soviet president. now gorbachev is urging prime minister vladimir putin to give up power. the former leader spoke after tens of thousands of people demonstrated in moscow and across russia against putin's rule. they were the largest pr

limp, 526789 some of the low, the pope valley -- livermore, 52.lley, 22, kentwood, 25. rincon valley 29, yountville 29. the big powerhouse low down in southern california has moved out thankfully but it left about two to three feet of snow. so somebody in california is getting snow and rain and there's more rain this month month in san diego than here. things are definitely topsy- turvy. this next system we'll split it. we'll have mostly sunny skies. it's on the cool side. but not bad. tonight we increase the clouds and mostly cloudy. some morning rain. i don't think it will be much but i think we'll get something out of it. and after that the seven and ten-day outlooks are very, very dry. 50s on the temperatures. they will start to drop. but then they will be held in check because we'll see the increasing clouds. so that will help a little bit. we'll go with light rain and then we'll clear it out and the wind picks up and we'll -- wind picks up and we'll take it into the weekend. >> thank you, steve. >>> planned parenthood has set up a mobile med

. >>> also, this news is coming as pope benedict delivers his annual message from the vatican. it just so happens he's talking about violence around the world. we will let you hear part of his message. >>> but let's start with those two christian churches in two cities in nigeria, both bombed today, christmas day, during holiday worship services. an eyewitness to the second explosion says he counted at least 19 people dead, many others are injured. this was happening, and not long after that, another bomb took place in another city of madala. i spoke to someone who was on the scene of that bombing. >> yeah. it's been a terrible event this morning. we have, from my count, 19 dead as of the time of this report. we do not know yet how many are in hospital as of about 8:00 a.m. it was about 10:30 where police officer was injured in a multiple bomb blast inside a church. >> these bombings reminiscent of what we saw really last christmas, same thing. suspected islamist extremists bomb churches there in nigeria. dozens of people killed in those attacks. >>> now thousands also gatherin

overseas, meanwhile, at the vatican, pope benedict xvi called for peace in the middle east as part of the annual christmas address. he takes a look at some of the other celebrations around the world. >> reporter: the holiday lights made the city that never sleeps even brighter this christmas. in new york city they went all out with the festive decorations and displays. in washington, d.c., the u.s. botanical garden got into the holiday spirit by designing this winter wonderland. while some of us enjoyed a white christmas, these south african residents took to the beach to celebrate their holidays. now to the middle east for preparing christmas and the christian pilgrims are visiting the place that people believe jesus christ was born. >> reporter: in baghdad, iraq, some residents attended a church service without the traditional market. christmas in germany wouldn't be the same. plays, bakeries, riots are some of the -- rides are some of the main attractions. and that must be certified for them to bring the christmas joy in germany. pope benedict xvi celebrated midnight mass in the va