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The French government expressed concern over the violent crackdown on post-election protests in Cameroon, urging authorities to guarantee the safety a...
Christmas celebrations across Europe brought communities together through religious events, historic milestones, and festive traditions. From Pope Francis inaugurating the 2025 Jubilee in the Vatican to the reopening of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, the holiday spirit was alive with hope and renewal.
Vatican: Pope Francis Kicks Off Jubilee of Hope
Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year at St. Peter’s Basilica, opening the Holy Door to mark the start of a year dedicated to hope, reflection, and reconciliation. Speaking to worshippers, the Pope emphasized the Jubilee’s call for spiritual renewal and global transformation.
“This is the season of hope,” said Pope Francis, urging believers to bring hope to the weary, the broken-hearted, and those struggling with despair. The yearlong jubilee will feature cultural and religious events, including pilgrimages and concerts, uniting Catholics worldwide.
The pontiff plans to extend this message of hope by opening a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison later this week, symbolizing new beginnings for inmates.
Paris: Notre Dame Reopens for Christmas Mass
For the first time since a devastating fire in 2019, Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral hosted Christmas Eve masses, marking a historic moment for the iconic Gothic structure. After years of intensive restoration, the cathedral reopened earlier this month, drawing thousands of worshippers and visitors for four Christmas Eve services.
The midnight mass, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, was a highlight of the celebrations. “We’ve come home!” Ulrich declared, celebrating the return to the cherished cathedral. Tourists and locals alike marveled at the restoration’s success, with many calling it a moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The restoration was funded by nearly $1 billion in global donations, a testament to the cathedral’s cultural and spiritual significance.
Athens: Lanterns Light the Night Sky
In Athens, Greece, thousands gathered at Kotzia Square on Christmas Eve to participate in a beloved annual tradition. Attendees wrote wishes on paper lanterns and released them into the night sky, creating a stunning display of light and hope.
“It’s a night of wishes,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas. “Athens celebrates, becoming a huge and beautiful event.”
The celebration highlighted the unity and joy of the season, drawing residents and visitors alike to share in the festive atmosphere.
From spiritual renewal in the Vatican to joyous traditions in Athens, Europe’s Christmas celebrations demonstrated resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of community.
A small, silent object from another star is cutting through the Solar System. It’s real, not a film, and one scientist thinks it might be sending a message.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
British actress Prunella Scales, best known for playing the formidable Sybil Fawlty in comedy show "Fawlty Towers", has died age 93, her sons said in a statement on Tuesday.
American media personality Kim Kardashian said she had been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, U.S. media outlets reported on Thursday.
The Louvre's ageing security camera system failed on Sunday to detect the thieves in time to prevent their historic heist, the museum's director said on Wednesday as the museum reopened to visitors.
The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, saw its priceless 19th-century crown jewels stolen in just seven minutes.
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Kiss known for its powerful sound, theatrical performances, and signature makeup has died at 74, his family announced Thursday.
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