Pope Benedict made his prayer intentions for the month of December public this past Saturday, praying especially for those who are affected by AIDS.

Benedict XVI's general prayer intention is: "That human society may be solicitous in the care of all those stricken with AIDS, especially children and women, and that the Church may make them feel the Lord's love."

His mission intention is: "That the incarnation of the Son of God, which the Church celebrates solemnly at Christmas, may help the peoples of the Asiatic Continent to recognize God's Envoy, the only Savior of the world, in Jesus."