Subdued celebrations mark Christmas across the world

Pope delivers traditional message virtually, urges all nations to share vaccines; many just want a hug for Christmas: Queen; vaccines a way out of pandemic tragedy, says WHO chief; S.Korea reports its biggest daily rise in cases.

A family poses for a photo on Christmas Day at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australia, on Friday. Associated Press

Hundreds of millions across the world celebrated pared-down Christmas festivities on Friday due to coronavirus restrictions, as Pope Francis called for vaccines for everyone, describing them as “glimmers of hope in this period of darkness and uncertainty.”

The pandemic has claimed more than 1.7 million lives and is still running rampant in much of the world, but the recent launching of mass vaccine campaigns has boosted hopes that 2021 could bring a respite.

Like so many across the globe, the pope was forced to break with normal Christmas tradition, holding his annual “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) speech by video from the apostolic palace, to prevent a crowd from gathering in St Peter’s Square.

“I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet,” he said.