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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.

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International

Chile and Germany reaffirm commitment to multilateralism amid global challenges

Chile and Germany reaffirmed on Wednesday their commitment to multilateralism and advocated for strengthening ties with countries that promote free trade and “abide by international rules.”

“The world is changing rapidly, and the challenges posed by the global scenario today require us to work together,” said Chilean President Gabriel Boric in a press conference after meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the La Moneda Palace in Santiago. “Today, multilateralism is under threat.”

Although Boric did not directly mention U.S. President Donald Trump, he expressed that his country is “concerned about the threats looming over Panama, Canada, Greenland, and Danish territory,” referring to recent statements and measures by Trump regarding his aspirations for U.S. foreign policy.

In recent days, Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China, reiterated his interest in purchasing Greenland—part of Denmark—and insisted on regaining control of the Panama Canal, which has sparked diplomatic tensions.

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Central America

Guatemalan court’s ruling against Zamora labeled as an assault on press freedom by IAPA

Guatemalan court decides Wednesday whether to convict journalist José Rubén Zamora

he Inter American Press Association (IAPA) on Wednesday described as an “assault on press freedom” the decision by a Guatemalan appeals court to revoke the house arrest of journalist José Rubén Zamora, founder of El Periódico.

The Guatemalan Appeals Court ordered the journalist to return to prison amid the criminal proceedings that the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) has ongoing against him, although this decision is not yet final.

“The court’s decision is a direct affront to freedom of expression and the citizens’ right to be informed,” emphasized José Roberto Dutriz, President of the IAPA, in a statement.

He added that the measure is “without legitimate grounds” and confirms “a pattern of persecution orchestrated against José Rubén Zamora.”

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International

Chile’s President Boric reiterates support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemns Russia’s aggression

Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to respecting international law and human rights, urging that “the aggressor, Russia, should never be confused with the victim, Ukraine,” in negotiations aimed at achieving a “lasting peace” amid the recent shake-up following the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Any negotiation process must be carried out with full respect for international law and the parties in conflict. Only in this way can we achieve lasting peace and the goal that an invasion like this never happens again. To do so, it is essential that history is told truthfully, and the aggressor, Russia, is never confused with the victim, Ukraine,” said the Chilean leader.

The statement, made from the La Moneda Palace (the seat of government) after meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his first official trip to the southern country, is Boric’s first comment on the conflict following the dispute last Friday at the White House between Zelensky and Trump, who accused the Ukrainian leader of being “disrespectful” and “playing with World War III.”

“Chile’s position has always been to safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” continued the Chilean president, who has consistently condemned Russia for what he called an “unjust aggression” and has met with Zelensky several times since the war began.

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