Pope Benedict XVI celebrated New Year's Eve with a vespers service Monday in St. Peter's Basilica to give thanks for 2012.

Benedict  has marked the end of a difficult year by saying that despite all the death and injustice in the world, goodness prevails.

In his homily, Benedict said " it's tough to remember that goodness prevails when bad news such as 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."