Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve Mass amid COVID-19 surge in Italy
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis has celebrated Christmas Eve Mass before an estimated 2,000 people in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Israel to ban travel to US, Canada due to omicron variant concerns
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Israel will ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
New snake species discovered thanks to Instagram post
Oligodon churahensis is the newest snake species after a university student unknowingly posted a picture of it on Instagram in June 2020.
Oligodon churahensis is the newest snake species after a university student unknowingly posted a picture of it on Instagram in June 2020.
Christmas light displays from around the world
While it seems to be an age-old tradition, electric Christmas lights didn’t really catch on until the early twentieth century. Here’s a look at displays nowadays from around the world.
While it seems to be an age-old tradition, electric Christmas lights didn’t really catch on until the early twentieth century. Here’s a look at displays nowadays from around the world.
Netherlands lockdown: Omicron spread prompts closures for nearly 1 month
The Netherlands lockdown began Sunday, with all non-essential stores, bars and restaurants closing until Jan. 14.
The Netherlands lockdown began Sunday, with all non-essential stores, bars and restaurants closing until Jan. 14.
Omicron variant detected in 89 countries; WHO says cases rapidly doubling
WHO said on Saturday that omicron’s “substantial growth advantage” over the delta variant means it's likely to soon overtake delta as the dominant variant.
WHO said on Saturday that omicron’s “substantial growth advantage” over the delta variant means it's likely to soon overtake delta as the dominant variant.
Osaka fire: 24 dead after suspected arson attack in Japanese building
A fire in Osaka, Japan, on Friday left 24 dead in what police were treating as a possible case of arson and murder.
A fire in Osaka, Japan, on Friday left 24 dead in what police were treating as a possible case of arson and murder.
Pope Francis celebrates 85th birthday as reform hits stride
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Pope Francis turns 85 on Dec. 17, a milestone as he continues efforts to make the Catholic Church more attuned to the laity.
Bouncy castle in Australia lifted into air by wind, killing 5 children
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
A bouncy castle accident in Tasmania, Australia, left five children dead and several others hurt, authorities said.
Omicron variant is milder but better at evading vaccines, South African data indicates
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
Student creates Black medical illustrations to improve education, health care
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
Chidiebere Ibe, 25, of Nigeria hopes to improve medical education and health care with his textbook illustrations depicting Black skin.
Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned as 70th winner
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe on Sunday, topping a field of some 80 contestants.
South African president tests positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service.
Pope Francis addresses nun abuse detailed in investigative expose
During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.
During an audience with members of the Vatican’s congregation for religious orders, Pope Francis cited a new investigative expose of the problem written by a reporter for the Holy See’s media, Salvatore Cernuzio.
Omicron variant appearing milder than delta, South African doctors say
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
In the two weeks since omicron first was reported in Southern Africa, other doctors have shared similar stories. All caution that it will take many more weeks to collect enough data to be sure, their observations and the early evidence offer some clues.
Scientists seek COVID-19 origin nearly 2 years into pandemic
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the origin of the virus tormenting the world remains shrouded in mystery.
Julian Assange: UK opens door to extradition of WikiLeaks founder to US
A U.K. appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition to the U.S. to face spying charges, overturning a lower court.
A U.K. appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition to the U.S. to face spying charges, overturning a lower court.
Shots fired at Cancun beach after gunmen arrive on jet skis, police say
Gunfire broke out on a beach in Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort of Cancun, but authorities said nobody was apparently injured.
Gunfire broke out on a beach in Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort of Cancun, but authorities said nobody was apparently injured.
Dozens of camels ejected from annual Saudi Arabia beauty contest over Botox injections
Saudi media says that authorities have conducted their biggest-ever crackdown on camel beauty contestants that received Botox injections and other artificial touch-ups.
Saudi media says that authorities have conducted their biggest-ever crackdown on camel beauty contestants that received Botox injections and other artificial touch-ups.
WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.
The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.