Pope Benedict's Ubi et Orbi Speech Dec 25, 2005

Since his election, the Pope has repeatedly reminded Catholics not to give in to an ``ethical relativism'' where circumstances can be used to justify actions that should be considered wrong in all cases.

The Pope, wearing a gold cape and with a gold mitre, continued in that line on Sunday address by focusing on the dangers of technology and progress.

``Today we can dispose of vast material resources. But the men and women in our technological age risk becoming victims of their own intellectual and technical achievements, ending up in spiritual barrenness and emptiness of heart,'' he said.

``That is why it is so important for us to open our minds and hearts to the birth of Christ, this event of salvation which can give new hope to the life of each human being,'' he said.