Overview
- Ukraine was struck overnight by more than 650 drones and dozens of missiles targeting at least 13 regions and energy sites, with casualties reported, reducing prospects for any pause in fighting.
- The pope said Russia seems to have rejected his request for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities, a call he issued from Castel Gandolfo on December 23.
- Léon XIV celebrated his first Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s, condemning an “economy faussée” and focusing his homily on dignity, charity, and hope before roughly 6,000 inside and 5,000 on the square.
- Bethlehem held its first fully festive Christmas since the Gaza war under a fragile ceasefire, even as Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis described by church leaders during holiday liturgies.
- The Vatican says the pope will preside at the Christmas Day Mass and deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing at noon, where he is expected to renew global appeals for peace.