On extraordinary display in the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, the icons of the Mother of God of Vladimir, also known as the ‘Madonna of Tenderness’ (Umilenije), and the one known as Donskaya are both symbols of Russian victories. They hark back to the great confrontation between East and West that gave rise to Rus’, and has continued to underpin the various ideologies in power in Russia to this day.

For Netanyahu, it's a "historic deal”. The Shia militia calls the truce a "victory" for Tehran. Warnings (and threats) are issued against the disorderly return of civilians to Israeli-occupied villages south of the Litani River. The Lebanese president refuses to meet with Netanyahu without the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Saudi Arabia is engaged in efforts to keep Lebanon from both Iranian hegemony and Israeli domination.

With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Gulf and Field Marshal Asim Munir acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, Pakistan is trying to carve out a role in regional dialogue. For Indian research analyst Namita Barthwal, Islamabad's activism reflects “Pakistan's own vulnerabilities” and the growing weight of the military in the country's foreign policy. Meanwhile, India is cautiously watching developments.

For the first time, tea estate workers mark the event together at the local church, a sign of unity and dialogue between different communities in a wounded land. “Those who love freedom, those who live in freedom, do not trap anyone,” said For Father Jeevantha. The new year will hopefully open a path based on love, unity, and justice.

Leo XIV spoke at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon's economic capital, before a crowd of 120,000. He urged young people to "Reject every form of abuse or violence”, calling on them to be the first to bring "the bread of life” to others. Sharing is the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Proclaiming Jesus means "leaving signs of justice in a suffering and oppressed land.”

68.7% of voters rejected the constitutional reform sought by the president to unify electoral processes, but the ruling party – which came to power in 2023 on an anti-India campaign – failed to win a single city in the local elections. Civil society played a decisive role in the ‘no’ campaign. The result highlights urban discontent and raises questions about the political stability of the executive halfway through its term.