Jerusalem/Vatican City:
In Bethlehem, located near Jerusalem and revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Christmas is being celebrated with great enthusiasm this year after a gap of two years. A large Christmas tree has been installed at Manger Square, near the Church of the Nativity.
People gathered for the festivities participated in parades and prayers. Similarly, Christmas celebrations are taking place in countries such as China, Kenya, Ukraine, and Pakistan. Following his election in May, Pope Leo XIV is presiding over Christmas celebrations for the first time as the supreme spiritual leader of Christians. On the night of December 24, the Pope inaugurated the Christmas festivities by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It is noteworthy that Christmas celebrations have begun across the world. Followers of Christianity are commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and visiting churches for prayers. Homes, major city squares, and streets have been beautifully decorated to mark the occasion
