Maskless Pope urges faithful to look ‘beyond the decorations’ as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass

A maskless Pope Francis has urged people to look "beyond all the lights and decorations" this festive season.Celebrating Christmas Eve Mass at St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the 85-year-old pontiff was the only one...

Christmas holiday plans abandoned as European nations impose new COVID rules on UK arrivals

Christmas holiday plans are being abandoned as European nations impose new, tougher restrictions on visitors from the United Kingdom.

British man ‘detained by Taliban’ after going missing in Afghanistan

A British man working in Afghanistan has reportedly been detained by the Taliban after he went missing.

More Hong Kong universities remove Tiananmen Square massacre memorials

More universities in Hong Kong have removed memorials commemorating those who died in the Tiananmen Square massacre.

At least 39 people killed and 72 injured in Bangladesh ferry fire

A fire on-board a ferry has killed at least 39 people and injured 72 in Bangladesh, officials have said.

Japan won’t send government delegation to Beijing Olympics amid human rights concerns

Japan will not send a delegation of ministers to next year's Beijing Olympics following a US-led diplomatic boycott of the Games to protest human rights conditions in China.However, the country said it will send...

Ireland’s president commends courage in pandemic in Christmas message and urges commitment on climate

Ireland's president has commended the "courage, resilience, patience and deep commitment to others" in response to the global pandemic.

Vladimir Putin reinforces notion of ‘Fortress Russia’ as he takes aim at NATO

"We are not threatening anyone!"That was what Vladimir Putin said as he worked himself up to near fever pitch over my question as to whether he would unconditionally guarantee not to invade Ukraine or...