Nigeria blast mars Pope's plea

Pope Benedict XVI issued pleas for peace to reign across the world during his traditional Christmas address today, a call marred by Muslim extremists who attacked Christian churches in Nigeria, including bombing a Catholic Mass.

The assault on the Catholic church left 25 dead in Madalla, near the Nigerian capital. Another bombing occurred near a church in the city of Jos, and was followed by a shooting that killed a police officer. It occurred a year after a series of Christmas Eve bombings in Jos claimed by Islamist militants killed 32.