Vatican City

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI presides over a New Year's Eve vespers service in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2012. In his homily, Benedict said it is 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."

Credit: AP Photo