(CNN) -- As Christmas Eve became Christmas Day around the world, services and celebrations marked the holiday. At Vatican City on Friday night, Catholic worshippers packed pews inside St. Peter's Basilica to hear Pope Benedict XVI deliver Midnight Mass. He prayed to God for peace. "Grant us the grace of true brotherhood. Help us to become like you. Help us to recognize your face in others who need our assistance," he said. "And help us to live together with you as brothers and sisters so as to become one family -- your family." Celebrants, both young and old, watched in reverence as the choir serenaded the pontiff during his ceremonial march into the church. He was led into St. Peter's for Christmas Eve services by 30 cardinals, a tradition that was started by Pope John Paul II.
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The pope prays for peace
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In Bethlehem, thousands flock to the town where Jesus is believed to have been born
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Parishioners gather in China to have Christmas Mass
While many Chinese are taking advantage of the lucrative side of the season, others are searching for the meaning of @placeholder.