Pope Benedict called for an end to the violence in Syria and urged Christians to "see through the superficial glitter" as he led the celebration of Christmas in his annual Urbi et Orbi address. "May the Lord bring an end to the violence in Syria, where much blood has already been shed," the pontiff said, calling for "renewed vigor" in the Arab Spring "as they strive to advance the common good." The pope spoke two hours earlier than the normal midnight address, notes the BBC, so as to avoid a late night. Elsewhere on this Christmas day: