Christmas message from Pope in Rome (25.12.2008) 08 UTC

In their Christmas message, Germany's Protestant and Catholic churches warned that "money has become God"and called for a return to non-materialistic values. Germany's top Protestant Bishop sharply criticized the profit-driven focus and "culture of greed " of individual bank managers and executives. In Rome - Pope Benedict celebrated midnight Mass - praying for an end to "hatred and violence" in the Holy Land. He also made an appeal for help for abused and neglected children.