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Reports on the 2004 Christmas message of Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. Plea for peace in Africa, especially in Sudan and in the Ivory Coast region, and between Israelis and Palestinians; Effects of the pope's Parkinson's disease on his public appearances; Celebration of the midnight mass at Saint Peter's Basilica.

Reports on how Cardinal John O' Connor delivered his homily on midnight mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, New York on December 25, 1999. Health condition of O'Connor; Information on his impending retirement; Theme of his homily. INSET: Transcript of Homily: `It Is the Love of Jesus That Can Fuse....

Cites the Christmas sermon made by Reverend Gabriel Marie at the Church of Our Lady of Assumption in Baghdad, Iraq on December 25, 1998. Comments from the members of the choir who assisted the mass; How leaders of Christian denominations in Iraq consider the bombing; Statistics on Christians in Iraq.

Announces that many clergy members in the United States will not highlight the impeachment of American President Bill Clinton in sermons on December 25. Comment from Reverend Doug Slaughter; Some clergy members that mention the impeachment.

Focuses on the difficulties faced by pastors preparing Christmas sermons. Difficulty of making a familiar story seem fresh and immediate; Numbers of listeners who come for carols and candlelight; Comments from pastors including the Rev. James L. Kidd of Asylum Hill United Church of Christ in Hartford, Connecticut, the Rev. Robert F. Sims of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, Georgia, and others.