The pope prayed for those "who suffer because of violence, natural disasters or outbreaks of disease" as well as migrants undertaking a perilous and potentially deadly sea crossing to Europe.
Notre-Dame, part of a UNESCO world heritage site on the banks of the River Seine lost its gothic spire, roof and many precious artefacts in the fire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow
The Christmas festivity began with Churches decorated with nativity scenes, brightly lit X-mas trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ
To cater to the growing demand, Myntra has doubled its inventory over December last year
The impact is likely to be felt in the retail sector, which over the past decade has seen a weakening during the traditional busy period over Christmas.
Londoners take their Christmas holiday seriously. It is rare to find even one restaurant open in the city's busiest districts on that day
The giving and receiving of gifts is a human ritual full of social and cultural significance, which strengthens our bonds and relationships
We "must not lose our footing or slide into worldliness and consumerism", Pope Francis said
Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya said all Bethlehem hotels were fully booked, and the city was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight
The Christmas festivity began with Churches decorated with nativity scenes, brightly lit X-mas trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Contemporary Christians are divided between those who see their faith as inseparable from their politics and those who'd prefer to keep the two discrete
While it goes against the basic tenet of festivities, this Christmas make an effort to have a heart-friendly feast
Palestinian deputy tourism minister Ali Abu Srour said the app would also provide information about the church
For people brought up in a household where Christmas was primarily a religious celebration, encountering a Christmas symbol reminds them of religious meanings and values
The study also shows the threat of being on Santa's naughty list does not work for many children
Few cities anywhere in the world glorify the Christian holiday with such pomp and pandemonium
I never understood the true meaning of Christmas - a story in which Jesus was born into a family that became refugees - until I visited the people who are now forced to call it home
Festival traditions are in a permanent state of slow flux, subject to the processes of evolution, cross-breeding, mergers and a myriad of social and economic currents
Pastry chefs are creating desserts to get you in the festive spirit