NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-25-2025 10AM EST

Episode Date: December 25, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Christians perform midnight mass at the church of the nativity last night in Bethlehem, where Christians believed Jesus was born. The city, which is in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, brought back Christmas celebrations for the first time since the war in Gaza began more than two years ago. NPR's Hadeal al-Shaalchi reports from Bethlehem. People lined up to receive. communion in the austere prayer hall of the Church of the Nativity.

The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizabella, just finished his sermon. He mentioned the devastation of the war in Gaza, but said he saw hope when he visited there earlier this week. I hope that all the world will see also the other side of the early land, which is not only conflict and war, but is also life and joy and commitment to life and joy. Earlier in the day, the traditional scouts parade marched through the streets of Bethlehem. Palestinians at Manger Square said that for the first time in more than two years, they felt they could let themselves feel life and joy.

Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Bethlehem. At the Vatican today, Pope Leo celebrated his first Christmas Day Mass as pontiff. Speaking from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, the Pope called on the faithful to embrace people. peace, saying Christ's birth offers a path out of division and hostility. Indeed, he is our peace. He has conquered hatred and enmity through God's merciful love. For this reason, the Lord's birth is the birth of peace.

Pope Leo also used his Christmas address to urge Ukraine and Russia to find the courage to hold direct talks to end the war. The European Union is blasting the Trump administration's visa bans on five European citizens, including a former European commissioner. From Brussels, Terry Schultz reports the EU says it will do whatever it takes to preserve its right to regulate as it sees fit. The EU's Digital Services Act, or DSA, has been a longstanding source of tension with the U.S. Because it imposes responsibilities on big tech platforms, such as to be transparent about their processes, to take down illegal content and to combat disinformation. U.S. officials have often characterized it as targeting American companies.

In announcing he can no longer visit the U.S., the State Department blamed former EU Internal Market Commissioner Tieri-Briton personally for the legislation, which was enacted last year. A European Commission statement strongly condemns the U.S. decision, saying the DSA is designed to ensure a fair and safe playing field for all companies. For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz and Brussels. This is NPR News in Washington.

Authorities in France say a pro-Russian hacking group has claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that crippled the national postal system just before Christmas. The group has ties to previous attacks across Europe. The disruption knocked out LePost's computer systems, leaving postal workers unable to scam packages or process online payments. French intelligence is now leading the investigation. French officials accuse Moscow of using so much. called hybrid warfare to sow chaos and undermines support for Ukraine. The iconic Christmas Day figure is Santa Claus, who is commonly portrayed as a stout white man in a red suit

lined with fur and wearing black boots. But as Brian Bull from member station, KLCC reports, there's a growing demand for more diverse depictions. Families line up for a black Santa event in Eugene. An initiative called the Belonging Space coordinates events with black, indigenous, and queer Santas to give marginalized communities a safe and welcoming space for the holidays. Greg Black plays Black Santa. He says there are never any for him growing up. As they would say in some of the large city like Chicago,

now we know, you know, white man going to come up in this neighborhood and talk about bringing some toys. So folks of color need to have some representation of their own. Coordinators of the events say anyone with the holidays, spirit is qualified to play the jolly old elf. For NPR News, I'm Brian Bull in Eugene, Oregon. And I'm Windsor Johnston, NPR News, in Washington.