From Bethlehem and Gaza to Rome, Kyiv, Tokyo, Mumbai, and beyond, Christmas is being marked across the world with prayers, lights, and resilience. While millions gathered in churches and public squares to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, others observed the season under the shadow of war and hardship. From Pope Leo’s Christmas message in the Vatican to frontline celebrations in Ukraine and the return of Christmas services in Gaza after years of silence, here’s a global look at a season of hope, contrast, and survival.

Israel has intensified strikes on Rafah despite an active truce, hitting residential zones across southern Gaza with heavy artillery and helicopter fire. As global alarm grows, Pope Leo — the first U.S. pope — has issued one of his strongest statements yet, reaffirming that a Palestinian state is the only path to peace, even as Israel continues to reject that solution.