Christians and Christianity

• After Christmas Day Strikes, Fear Grips Muslims in Rural Nigeria - A small town set amid a smattering of baobab trees is grappling with the aftermath of a bombing ordered by President Trump.
• Zero Hour for the Middle East - After more than a decade of wars, from Syria to Gaza, the Middle East is exhausted by conflict. Is it ready to find another way?
• Facts Clash With Trump Claim of Hitting ISIS and Shielding Nigerian Christians - President Trump said the targets of airstrikes in Nigeria were Islamic State terrorists responsible for killing Christians, but experts question his framing.
• What to Know About U.S. Military Action in Nigeria - Before the strikes on Thursday, President Trump said he would halt all aid and go in “guns-a-blazing” to target militants.
• Trump Announces Strike Against ISIS in Nigeria - The attack comes after President Trump ordered the Defense Department last month to prepare to intervene militarily in Nigeria to protect Christians from Islamic militants.
• Pope Leo Makes Christmas Call for Dialogue to Address World’s Conflicts - Leo XIV’s Christmas address was his first since being elected pontiff and was scrutinized for comparisons with those of his predecessor, Francis.
• Christmas Around the World in Photos - The holiday spirit is bringing people together, with celebrations of lights, dance and Santa.
• Pope Leo Surprises St. Peter’s Crowd Before Christmas Eve Mass - Pope Leo XIV greeted the soggy faithful in St. Peter’s Square in both English and Italian and apologized that there wasn’t enough room in the basilica for them all.
• Immigration Crackdown Creates Fault Lines Among Baptists - An increasingly loud contingent supports the Trump administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
• Did Pope Leo Pray in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque? Not Visibly, at Least. - Leo XIV is being closely watched on an inaugural trip to Turkey and Lebanon to spread a message of peace and outreach.