Pope prays for peace

Pope Francis appealed for peace in many of the world’s hotspots, singling out the crises in the Middle East, Venezuela, Lebanon and African countries on Christmas.

“May Christ bring light to the many children suffering from war in the Middle East and in various countries,” the 83-year-old said in his Christmas message at the Vatican. AFP

Astronauts help track Santa’s route

Washington: For decades, the Canadian and American defence agency NORAD has provided updates on Santa Claus’ international gift delivery route, but this year, for the first time, US astronauts lent a hand. “We have obtained visual confirmation that Santa is currently travelling south over India,” Andrew Morgan said. AFP

Prince Philip misses Xmas Day service

London: Queen Elizabeth II arrived for Christmas Day service on Wednesday without her ailing husband Prince Philip, 98, who was released from hospital a day earlier after a four-night stay for an unspecified illness. The royal family traditionally attends church service at Sandringham. AP

Cold play

Swimmers take part in the annual Christmas Day Peter Pan Cup handicap race in the Serpentine river, in Hyde Park, London, on Wednesday. REUTERS

Royals wow Twitter with family pic

London: A black-and-white picture of Prince William with his three children wowed their 1.9 million followers on Twitter on Wednesday. The Twitter handle of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Royal Foundation posted the picture on Christmas. IANS