Thousands of people flocked to Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve as families there and at other sites across the Holy Land heralded a much-needed boost of holiday spirit, after two years of subdued celebrations because of the war in Gaza.

Pope Leo XIV held the first Christmas mass of his pontificate on Wednesday, greeting thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter's Square before the service.

As the Vatican prepares for Pope Leo’s first Christmas since his election, its Christmas Nativity scenes go beyond tradition.

Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Christmas at the Vatican by reviving the tradition of offering Christmas Mass on Dec. 25 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Christmas Mass celebration at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Leo celebrated Christmas Eve Mass.

A Christmas Eve children’s homily preached at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Solomons has been transformed into a fully illustrated digital storybook, bringing a personal childhood memory of the parish’s pastor to life through the artwork of local students.

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. We can see the strong faith of Joseph and the kind of trust he had to put in God. He had been told not to be afraid, to rebuke fear. Manfully, Joseph does this!