AFP UK

Michigan City (United States) (AFP) – UGC images show ice formations on Lake Michigan on Christmas Day as a winter storm grips the region.

Kherson (Ukraine) (AFP) – Church bells and chanting rang throughout Ukraine’s capital as Orthodox Christians attended Christmas services on Sunday, a defiant break from Russian religious leaders who will mark the holiday in two weeks. The decision by some Ukrainian churches to observe Christmas on December 25 and not January 7, as is customary in Orthodox Christianity, highlights the rift between church officials in Kyiv and Moscow that has deepened with the ongoing war. In liberated Kherson, this Christmas also signifies an act of defiance as, just the day before, Russian strikes killed at least seven people and wounded dozens more in the city centre.

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.