International
Pfizer says its vaccine is 95% effective
Yesterday, Pfizer said its most recent studies proved that its COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective. And they added that it protects the elderly, who are more vulnerable to dying from the virus.
They made the new announcement a week after the first results were released, which were described as promising. Now Pfizer is just days away from applying to U.S. regulators for urgent approval of the vaccine.
At first, Pfizer considered that the vaccine, developed with the German company BioNTech, had over 90% effectiveness. The company did not disclose details of potential side effects. It pointed out that the most common was fatigue after receiving the second dose. However, they said, it was only detected in 4% of the participants.
International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.
Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
International
The former president of the United States Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington after “develoting a fever”
Former US President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) was hospitalized from Washington to undergo medical tests after “developing fever,” his office reported in a message on social networks.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center in the US capital, Angel Ureña, who served as Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, explained on his X account.
“The former president is still in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the excellent attention he is receiving,” the message deepened.
In 2004, the former president underwent quadruple bahaspas heart surgery and in 2010 he underwent another surgery related to his cardiovascular problems.
The former Democratic leader was hospitalized in 2021 in California for an infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton is one of the four former presidents of the United States who are still alive, along with Donald Trump (2017-2021), Barack Obama (2009-2017), George W. Bush (2001-2009) and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
The latter is, at 100 years old, the longest-serving president in the history of the United States.
Sheinbaum and Petro reaffirm solidarity with Panama after Trump’s remarks on Canal
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Ecuador prison riot leaves at least 43 dead
-
International3 days agoAt least ten dead in Iran in a bus accident in the west of the country
-
International2 days agoTrump criticizes Panama Canal fees and demands U.S. control over strategic waterway
-
International3 days agoAt least 21 dead and 61 injured after Israel’s last attacks in Gaza
-
Internacionales2 days agoSinaloa security secretary resigns amid wave of violence and cartel infighting
-
International2 days agoPutin vows retaliation following drone attack on luxury building in Kazan
-
International3 days agoHelene, the violent hurricane that destroyed the southeastern United States
-
International3 days agoMilei closed about 200 areas of the Public Administration in its first year of Government
-
International2 days agoSmall plane crashes in Gramado, Brazil, killing nine people
-
International1 day agoLula calls for reconciliation and dialogue in his Christmas message
-
International1 day agoThe driver involved in the accident with 41 dead is handed over to the Brazilian police
-
International3 days agoNew Syrian leader addresses with the United States the lifting of sanctions for reconstruction
-
International1 day agoA federal committee leaves the decision on the purchase of US Steel in the hands of Joe Biden
-
International3 days agoThe piangua, the mangrove mollusk that empowers women in the Colombian Pacific
-
International1 day agoThe former president of the United States Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington after “develoting a fever”
-
International13 hours agoPope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
-
International13 hours agoSilent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
-
Central America13 hours ago
Sheinbaum and Petro reaffirm solidarity with Panama after Trump’s remarks on Canal