Pope John Paul, in his Christmas Day message, urged the world to avert a conflict in Iraq and appealed for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

In his appeal, his first public reference to the crisis in Iraq, the pope said believers in all religions should build peace.

Looking frail but resplendent in gold vestments, the 82-year-old Polish pontiff said they were called on "in the Middle East, to extinguish the ominous smoldering of a conflict which, with the joint efforts of all, can be avoided."

The Vatican believes that any action in Iraq must be approved by the United Nations.
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In Iraq, the country's Christian minority put on a brave face to celebrate Christmas but there was little joy.

The mood was somber as President Saddam Hussein, in a Christmas message to Iraqis, warned the drums of a U.S.-led war against Iraq were beating louder.

Some Iraqis said they were celebrating Christmas as an act of defiance.

"We celebrate Christmas and practice our normal life despite the American threats and the embargo," said a Baghdad restaurant owner.

» Pope Calls on World to Avert Conflict in Iraq