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". In her own annual Christmas speech, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II also spoke of hope during "difficult and unpredictable times". Tedros hailed the "heart-wrenching sacrifices" millions were making by staying away from loved ones on Christmas Day. - Thin crowds in Bethlehem -Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, prepared for a Christmas unlike any in its recent history. Forget it," said Laurent Beghin, a French truck driver who delivered his cargo but was still stuck days later.
