From Asia to Europe, the world ushered in 2004 with fireworks displays, massive parties and simple prayers for peace.

In New York, nearly 1 million revelers rang in 2004 with the dropping of the traditional New Year's Eve ball in Times Square a joyous, confetti-filled bash that took place under some of the tightest security ever seen. Snipers were posted on rooftops and helicopters patrolled overhead.

"It was brilliant," said Tanya Starkin, a 23-year-old waitress from Ireland, as fireworks lit the sky. "Everyone was so worried about everything, and now everything is good."

Australians also celebrated in style with Sydney's famous harbor alight with colorful fireworks. In New Zealand, thousands crammed into a public square, dancing and waving glow sticks. Still, a tactical response team scoured the streets of Sydney, looking out for any possible security threat.

Pope John Paul II, during a vespers service at St. Peter's Basilica, gave thanks for 2003 and prayed for peace in 2004 "in Rome, in Italy, in Europe and the entire world." His New Year's Mass on Thursday will mark the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace.

In Baghdad, a car bomb ripped through a restaurant during a New Year's Eve party, killing five Iraqis and injuring 35, including at least two Americans and one Briton.

In Indonesia's restive Aceh province, a bomb at a crowded New Year's Eve party killed nine people and injured 46. Police blamed Aceh separatist rebels for the blast, but the insurgents denied the accusation.

Celebrations also turned deadly in the Philippine city of Lucena when fireworks started a fire in an old public market, killing at least 18 people.

Israel mounted greater security efforts than usual because of the threat of terrorism. Police reinforcements patrolled night spots in Tel Aviv, days after Israeli security officials warned of the possibility of a major New Year's terror attack at a public building or holy site.

In Paris, about 4,500 police officers and soldiers patrolled the city streets. The police presence was strong around the Champs-Elysees, the famous tree-lined boulevard in western Paris where the crowds gathered.

The green, pink and red glow of Roman candles lit up the Champs Elysees as roars of delight broke out just at midnight.

Young North Africans holding up the Algerian flag danced atop concrete barriers, a group of Italians posed for pictures, and a young Danish couple bargained with a vendor for two cans of beer.

"It's great so far," said Ben Jacobs, a college student from Northville, Mich., who was visiting the city with friends.

London's Metropolitan Police said there was a "high state of alert" but there were no specific terrorist threats for New Year's Eve, and for many in Britain, the weather appeared the more immediate threat to the festivities.

Forecasts of sleet, rain and gale force winds forced the west coast city of Liverpool to reschedule its fireworks display to Friday. In London, the weather held off and thousands enjoyed a brief but spectacular fireworks show at the London Eye.

The huge sightseeing wheel at the edge of the River Thames became a necklace of light against the black sky and then exploded with rockets and multicolored fireworks as the crowd cheered.