Fort Lauderdale (United States) (AFP) – Iguanas lay frozen on Florida streets after falling from the trees they live in, amid bitter winter storm battering the United States. In most cases, if left alone, the reptiles will survive and ‘unfreeze’ once the temperature rises again.
Kabul (AFP) – Marwa was just a few months away from becoming the first woman in her Afghan family to go to university — instead, after the Taliban banned women from attending, she will watch achingly as her brother goes without her.
New York (AFP) – The Governor of the State of New York, Kathy Hochul, urges residents to stay home as a historic winter storm batters the United States with blizzard conditions.
Vatican City (AFP) – At his traditional Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis condemns the human “hunger for wealth and power”, which he says drives men and women to “consume even their neighbours, their brothers and sisters.” “I think above all of the children devoured by wars, poverty and injustice”, the pontiff prays.
Buenos Aires (AFP) – After Argentina’s victory in the World Cup final against France in Qatar, the tattoo shops of Buenos Aires have had to work overtime as grateful football fans rush to ink the unforgettable moment of captain Lionel Messi lifting the trophy onto their skin.
Buffalo (AFP) – Heavy snow sweeps through the city of Buffalo in the State of New York, as a fearsome winter storm continues to pummel parts of the United States with blizzard conditions. The Buffalo Common Council said on Twitter that emergency services were not functioning in eight municipalities and urged residents to remain indoors.
Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis appeals for an end to the “senseless war” in Ukraine, during his traditional Christmas message from St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, and also calls for an end to the use of food as a weapon.
Bengaluru (India) (AFP) – With spectacular and inventive creations, the Bengaluru Cake Show returns for its 48th edition from December 16 to January 2, much to the delight of its many visitors.
Municipio de Copacabana (Colombia) (AFP) – To mark the Argentine team’s victory at the 2022 World Cup, a Colombian artist has created the world’s largest inflatable Messi shirt.
Bethlehem (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – On Christmas Eve, tourists are paying a special visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Christians believe was Jesus was born.
Oleksandrivka (Ukraine) (AFP) – The small Ukrainian village of Oleksandrivka, in the country’s southern Kherson region, has suffered weeks of shelling that has left destruction at every turn. Rubble is all that remains of many buildings. “Not a single room was left untouched,” says Inna Zozulya of her house, “my parents wanted to move in… but there is simply no place to come back to.”
Tokyo (AFP) – In Tokyo, a 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille is Santa’s favourite car. Retro cars enthusiasts dress up and gather in Japan’s capital on Christmas Eve for a special charity event and distribute toys to children.
