Benedict abolishes the Vatican Christmas Pops Concert:

The annual charity concert, organised since its inception by the Prime Time Promotion events agency, will be transferred to Monaco beginning this year, the paper reported.

Starting in 1993, Italian and international pop stars gathered annually in the Paul VI auditorium for the Yuletide bash. And every year Pope John Paul II either granted an audience with the performers or prepared a videotaped message.

To the chagrin of many performers, the 2005 edition was marked by the absence of Benedict XVI, elected pope eight months earlier.

“It is impossible not to notice a change under the new pontiff,” the ANSA news agency said.

“Benedict XVI is a very sober pope and is not inclined toward variety shows. He is more concerned about leading the faith of Catholics to its spiritual essence.”

La Stampa suggested that Benedict XVI’s reluctance to continue the Christmas concert tradition stems not only from the German-born pope’s preference for classical music, but also his desire to avoid the small scandals that have plagued the event in recent years.

Last year, Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury’s show was cancelled by the Vatican because she had taken part in a public service campaign in Brazil promoting the use of condoms.

And in 2003, the American singer Lauryn Hill, ex-leader of the Fugees, suggested during her concert before 7500 spectators – including many Catholic prelates – that the Church ask forgiveness for crimes committed in the United States by pedophile priests.