World News for December 25, 2025

  1. Pope Leo XIV Decries Conditions for Palestinians in Gaza During First Christmas Sermon

    In his inaugural Christmas message from St. Peter’s Basilica, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, highlighted the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an end to global conflicts and urging dialogue amid ongoing violence in the region. This marked a rare direct political reference in a typically solemn service, emphasizing themes of peace and humility. Source: Reuters

  2. US Carries Out Airstrikes on Islamic State Militants in Northwest Nigeria

    The United States launched airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government, with President Donald Trump announcing the action on Christmas Day, claiming it targeted militants attacking Christian communities in the region. Source: Reuters

  3. Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil and Gas Facilities with Storm Shadow Missiles and Drones

    Ukrainian forces used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and domestically produced long-range drones to target multiple Russian oil and gas installations, including the massive Orenburg gas processing plant, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure amid the war. Source: Reuters

  4. Suspected Suicide Bomber Kills Five in Nigeria Mosque Attack

    At least five worshippers were killed and 35 injured when a suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers, heightening security concerns in Nigeria’s northeast amid ongoing militant threats. Source: Reuters

  5. Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem Amid Persistent West Bank Hardships

    Christmas returned to Bethlehem after a two-year hiatus due to conflict, with services held at the Church of the Nativity, but celebrations remained subdued due to ongoing displacement and violence in the West Bank, where over 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in 2025. Source: CNN

  6. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Signals Continued Missile Development for Next Five Years

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of bolstering missile production during visits to munitions facilities, indicating plans to advance the country’s weapons programs as part of preparations for the next five-year development plan. Source: Reuters

  7. Poland Intercepts Russian Plane Over Baltic Sea Amid Airspace Breaches

    Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace over the Baltic Sea, while dozens of objects reportedly entered from Belarus, raising concerns about potential provocations during the holiday period. Source: Reuters

  8. Christmas Celebrations in Venezuela Remain Lonely Due to Closed Airspace

    Many Venezuelans spent Christmas alone as international airlines halted nearly all flights amid ongoing political and economic crises, preventing diaspora family reunions that are traditionally common during the holidays. Source: The New York Times

  9. Somalia Holds Municipal Elections in Mogadishu as Step Toward Universal Suffrage

    Residents of Mogadishu voted in local elections aimed at paving the way for Somalia’s first direct national polls in over 50 years, marking a significant shift from the clan-based selection system. Source: Reuters

  10. Israeli Military Kills Iranian Quds Force Member in Lebanon

    Israeli forces reported killing a member of Iran’s Quds Force in Lebanon who was involved in planning attacks from Syria and Lebanon, amid escalating regional tensions. Source: Reuters

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