South Korean are celebrating Christmas in a calm atmosphere.

Worshipers attended masses and services at churches and cathedrals across the nation.

On Monday, the Vatican expressed hope that Christmas would inspire people to work for peace.

Pope John Paul the Second opened his Christmas Eve celebrations by appearing at his window to light a Christmas candle of peace hours before he celebrated midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

Outside his papal apartment, thousands of tourists braved a bone-chilling rain to view a life-sized manger and Christmas tree displayed in front of the basilica.

Police searched pilgrims' bags and purses and used metal-detecting wands as part of anti-terrorism security.