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.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted key developments in the ongoing peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine, stressing the importance of a robust peacekeeping force and the alignment between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
French senators have approved the 2026 budget bill, but with amendments that are expected to worsen the fiscal deficit more than initially planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals being negotiated with U.S. officials for a peace deal to end his country’s nearly four-year war with Russia could be finalised within days.
The European Union has announced plans to indefinitely freeze Russian assets held within the bloc, in a move aimed at ensuring up to $246 billion in Russian funds remain in EU jurisdictions, officials said on Friday.
At least 37 people have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rain in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, Moroccan authorities said on Monday (15 December).
Authorities discovered the lifeless bodies of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner, aged 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 68, in their upscale Brentwood home in Los Angeles on Sunday. The police investigation has labeled the incident an apparent homicide.
Cambodia must be the first to declare a ceasefire in the ongoing border conflict, Thailand said on Tuesday (16 December), as fighting continued despite earlier claims that hostilities would stop and at least 52 people have been killed on both sides.
Schools across Cambodia and Thailand were forced to close on Monday (15 December) as border clashes between the two countries escalated, with the death toll reaching at least 40 and hundreds of thousands of people displaced, according to officials and local media.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held two rounds of high-stakes talks in Berlin, Germany on 14-15 December. Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, posted on X that discussions with the U.S. envoy have been "constructive and productive".
Peru has received 347 repatriated cultural artefacts from the U.S., including rare pre-Columbian ceramics and textiles, in one of the country’s largest heritage returns in recent years.
Iceland is has become the fifth country to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
UNESCO has unveiled the latest additions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, celebrating a rich array of global traditions that reflect the importance of cuisine, festivals, and local customs.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, for her tireless efforts in advocating for democracy and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
Italy is awaiting a ruling from UNESCO that could officially place its cuisine on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a recognition that would highlight the nation’s centuries-old culinary traditions. A final decision is expected on Wednesday (10 December).
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