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.

Bells rang out during the Holy Eucharistic, with chimes that could be heard inside the church as well as throughout Vatican City.

In 2009, Midnight Mass was interrupted when 25-year-old Susanna Maiolo jumped a barrier and knocked the pontiff down. She had tried to get to the pontiff on Christmas Eve in 2008, but was detained, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said.

Christmas Eve Mass was held at 10 p.m last year, so the pope, who was 82 years old at the time, would be well-rested for Christmas Day services.

Thousands converged Friday on Bethlehem to celebrate Chri.