Pope Benedict XVI, left, celebrates an Epiphany Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. Benedict is stunned by the wave of violence and intolerance toward Christians around the world, Italy's top churchman said Thursday at Epiphany services. "Together with the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, we are stunned in the face of religious intolerance and so much violence, and we are asking ourselves, in sorrow: Why?'' said Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of Italy's bishops conference in an Epiphany homily in Genoa. Benedict told pilgrims and tourists he was offering heartfelt greeting and wishes to "the brothers and sisters of the Eastern churches who tomorrow will celebrate Holy Christmas.'' The feast day recalls the Gospel's account of the journey by the three kings, or "wise men,'' guided by a star, to pay homage to the baby Jesus, and many faithful exchange gifts. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
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