AFP PHOTO / VATICAN MEDIAVATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Saturday called for dialogue to counter the isolation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic, as billions around the world marked a second Christmas under the shadow of the coronavirus. In a time of pandemic, Pope Francis also asked God to "open hearts to ensure that necessary medical care — and vaccines in particular — are provided to those peoples who need them most." 'Make do with spaghetti'In south of the Philippines, Father Ricardo Virtudazo celebrated Christmas Day mass standing in a pool of water in his typhoon-hit church. Millions of Americans were nevertheless on the move to see loved ones for Christmas, even as Covid infections surpass the peak of the previous wave and hospitals run out of beds. Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to her late husband Prince Philip in her Christmas Day message.

Source: Manila Times December 26, 2021 04:55 UTC