The morning began with developments on the Albania migrant centers and news of the Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sinking in the Mediterranean after mysterious explosions. By midday, religious tensions escalated in Syria as militia burned a Christmas tree in Hama, triggering Christian protests across Damascus.
The afternoon saw a dramatic rescue operation on Gran Sasso, with alpinists trapped in "Vallone dell'Inferno" while rescuers remained blocked by extreme weather. Meanwhile, UN agency UNRWA released statistics showing one child dying every hour in Gaza, reaching 14,500 minor casualties.
The evening centered on Pope Francis opening the Holy Door from his wheelchair, marking the start of Jubilee 2025. His ceremony, attended by 30,000 faithful, included pointed references to "children being shot" and emphasized that "hope is not quiet living" - connecting Vatican symbolism to ongoing conflicts.
