Pope Benedict XVI prayed for world peace, condemning the inequality between rich and poor and "unregulated financial capitalism" at a New Year's mass in St Peter's Basilica on Tuesday.

The pope spoke of "hotbeds of tension and confrontation caused by the growing inequality between rich and poor and the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mentality also expressed by unregulated financial capitalism."

Benedict celebrated a Mass on Tuesday in St. Peter's Basilica to mark the church's world day of peace. In the front pews were diplomats accredited to the Holy See, who next week will attend the pope's annual address about the plight of the world's poor and its war-torn regions.

In his homily, Benedict said despite today's terrorism, criminality and the inequality between rich and poor he was convinced that the "numerous works of peace, of which the world is rich, are testimony to the innate vocation of humanity to peace."

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God," he said, quoting a Biblical passage.

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates New Year's Day as World Peace Day.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!