Visitors converged on the town's large Christmas tree in Manger Square, near the spot believed to mark Jesus' birthplace.

A strong typhoon that barreled through the central Philippines left at least 20 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.

"In reality, Congress has been slow to pass legislation," said Anthony Granado, vice president for public policy for Catholic Charities USA.

It had been unclear whether Israel would grant permits to members of Gaza's tiny Christian community to leave the Hamas-ruled coastal territory.

The report "identified 175 minors as victims of sexual abuse committed by 33 priests of the congregation" in the 78 years since the order's founding.

Makeshift camps have formed close to the border in Mexico, where people wait their turn for a hearing on U.S. soil