Marking end of difficult year, pope says good prevails despite violence, injustice in world
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Pope Benedict XVI has marked the end of a difficult year by saying that despite all the death and injustice in the world, goodness prevails.
Benedict celebrated New Year's Eve with a vespers service Monday in St. Peter's Basilica to give thanks for 2012.
In his homily, Benedict said it's tough to remember that goodness prevails when bad news — deaths, violence and injustice — "makes more noise than good." He said taking time to meditate in prolonged reflection and prayer can help "find healing from the inevitable wounds of daily life."
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This past year was full of highs and lows for the pope, including a successful trip to Mexico and Cuba but also the betrayal of his butler, convicted of stealing Benedict's personal papers and leaking them to a journalist.