Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI in his annual New Year's Eve address on Wednesday urged people to shun egoism in their lives and to show "solidarity and sobriety" to help address the world's ills.

"If everyone thinks only about himself, then the world will go to ruin," the head of the Roman Catholic Church said. In remarks above all aimed at the world's youth, he said today's times provided the "opportunity to do good."

The pontiff's "Te Deum laudamus" (we praise thee, Lord) evening service is held every New Year's Eve to express thanks for the year coming to an end.

On Thursday, the pope will deliver his annual New Year's address at St. Peter's Square. Since its establishment by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the New Year's Day speech is used by pontiffs to deliver a message of peace to rulers around the world. (dpa)