Reuters: Pope, on Christmas, urges return to essential values
Pope Francis led the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas on Thursday, urging those "intoxicated" by possessions and superficial appearances to return to the essential values of life.
Celebrating a Christmas eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis, whose nearly three-year-old papacy has been marked by calls for sobriety and compassion for the less fortunate, said Christmas was the time to "once more discover who we are".
He said everyone should allow the simplicity of the child Jesus, born into poverty in a manger despite his divinity, to infuse their spirit and inspire their lives.
MIDDLE EAST
US Iran hostages compensated decades after ordeal.
Yemen rebel chief urges supporters to 'resist'.
Roadside bombs slow Iraqi forces' advance on Ramadi.
Coalition planes pound ISIS in Iraq's Ramadi to aid attack, TV says.
U.S., allies conduct 18 strikes in Iraq, six in Syria: U.S. military.
Turkish forces barely regrouped, far from announced partial withdrawal – Iraqi defense spokesman.
Syria conflict: IS militants 'to leave south Damascus'.
Syria conflict: Government 'ready to attend peace talks'.
Clashes persist in Turkey's southeast; PKK militants killed in attack on police.
Four Palestinians killed by Israeli forces.
Deadly fire rips through Saudi hospital.
Somber Christmas for Iraq's Christians under threat from Islamic State.
Christians in Bethlehem mark Christmas amid violence.
ASIA
Sangin: Taliban take strategic town in Helmand province as Afghan army forced to abandon HQ.
US launches air strikes in embattled Afghan district. US strikes Sangin from air as Afghan forces battle Taliban. Afghanistan: 'Dozens of Taliban killed' in battle for Sangin.
Philippine Muslim guerrillas murder seven in Christmas eve raids.
Japan: China sent armed Coast Guard vessel near disputed islands.
Japan signs off biggest ever defence budget as Senkaku tensions rise.
China: US Embassy issues security warning to travellers in Beijing.
Myanmar men sentenced to death for murder of British tourists in Thailand.
India PM Narendra Modi to focus on defence in talks with Putin.
Russia plans to build at least six nuclear units in India in 20 years: Putin.
Indonesia ferry accident: Death toll rises to 63.
AFRICA
Central African Republic delays national election to Dec. 30. C. Africa authorities propose delaying elections to Dec 30.
Burundi: New rebel group says it aims to oust Nkurunziza.
Nigeria Boko Haram: Militants 'technically defeated' - Buhari.
Cameroon's army killed 70 civilians they mistook for Boko Haram.
Mali pro-govt armed group accuses France of killing 4 fighters.
Failed bus attack in Kenya 'linked to IS faction of al-Shabab'.
Somali Islamists publicly execute two officials.
U.N. council backs Libya peace deal, no Western air strikes sought.
United States calls on Djibouti to show restraint ahead of vote.
EUROPE
In a first, rival Cyprus leaders offer joint holiday wishes.
Implementation of Ukraine ceasefire deal to drag into 2016: RIA cites Russian official.
Corsica becomes latest European territory to turn nationalist.
Merkel, UK intelligence exchange information on Daesh, Putin and Ukraine.
Refugee girl who cried after Merkel comments can stay in Germany: report.
The Latest: Turkey says 19 migrants die after boat capsizes.
Ninth person is detained in Belgium over Paris attacks.
Russia issues international warrant for Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Prominent Putin foe may seek asylum in UK after new arrest.
AMERICAS
United Nations states agree on flat budget for next two years.
Five dead, 150,000 evacuated in Latin America floods.
South American Left in retreat as economic crisis deepens.
'Christmas is dead' in Venezuela, and 2016 looks grim.
Rio de Janeiro declares health system emergency as Olympics loom.
U.S. jobless claims near 42-year low as labor market tightens.
U.S. plans deportation raids targeting hundreds of families.
Bankrupt San Bernardino spars with creditors over police spending.
US storms: At least seven dead in trail of destruction. Southern U.S. states clean up after storms kill at least 10.
In Canada's far north, warm weather threatens vital ice road.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Poll: Low confidence in U.S. leaders dealing with terrorism.
Russia's security chief says identified groups behind plane explosion in Egypt: agencies.
Iran calls China to join the fight against the Islamic State.
As Islamic State threat mounts on its doorstep, Indonesia scours a jungle.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil edges higher, hovers near 11-year low.
Wall Street sees little cheer on Christmas eve.
Star Wars worth more than Harry Potter, James Bond, and some nations.
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