Our world in photos: January 13
Brooklyn Eagle Staff
January 13, 2025
BERLIN — ‘… would not do this in the ocean — can’t get the salt out of our clothes’: Members of the winter and ice swimming club ‘Seehunde Berlin’, (Berlin Seals), wearing Christmas-themed hats, walk into the water during the traditional annual Christmas swim on Christmas Day, at the Oranke Lake in Berlin, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. The annual ritual included the singing of carols.
The Seehunde Berlin also holds its 39th Eisfasching Ice Carnival on the second Saturday of January (Jan. 11). Spectators are treated to snacks and drinks. No word on whether the swimmers also get feted.
VATICAN — An integral part of the history, heritage and mystique: Swiss Guards march in front of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. Officially named the Pontifical Swiss Guard or Papal Swiss Guard, this military unit, one of the world’s oldest and smallest, is charged with protecting the Pope and the Vatican City State.
Candidates for the Swiss Guard must be unmarried Catholic men with a minimum height of 5’8½ inches and be between the ages of 19-30.
VATICAN — We hope it’s the ‘good book’ … it’s for sure the big book: Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for ‘to the city and to the world’ ) Christmas’ day blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year, and “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions” plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia, the Associated Press reported.
“Urbi et Orbi” also serves as the Pope’s annual summary of the woes facing the world this year, which the pontiff juxtaposed with the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration. Pope Francis called for broad reconciliation, “even (with) our enemies.”
ENGLAND — For some, Christmas holiday is a well-managed, organized promotion of symbols: Kate, Princess of Wales, left with Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince William and Prince George arrive for the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. The annual walk to the Church of St Mary Magdalene is supposed to be a special treat for British subjects, and to give the impression of unity in the royal family.
However, much of the British press observed and even focused on the absence of Prince Harry — the Duke of Sussex — and his family, chronicling family rancour since Prince William’s younger brother stepped away from royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020.
UKRAINE — Bringing faith to the frontlines: Military chaplain Yurii of the 24th Mechanized Brigade holds a church service for an infantry unit during Christmas near the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday Dec. 25, 2024. He is pictured blessing the troops.
During his remarks, Chaplain Yurii spoke of the protracted war and the exhaustion it brings, but reminded those present that nothing can prevail against God. He also stated his belief that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelinskyy’s diplomatic path is the correct one, the Associated Press reported.
INDIA — Tragic aftermath of nature’s revenge lingers: An Indian woman wails as she with others offer tributes in remembrance of victims of the 2004 tsunami on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, at Marina Beach in Chennai, India, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, which is considered one of the deadliest events in recorded history, came in the wake of a 9.1 earthquake west of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The quake initiated a mammoth wave that was recorded as high as 16 stories, and raced as quickly as 300 miles per hour toward the shorelines of South and Southeast Asia and East Africa.
The tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004, quickly escalated into a global disaster, killing nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million more, across 17 nations, including India.
UKRAINE — Infrared photography captures the grim Christmas Day task on frontlines: Ukrainian soldiers of Skala Battalion load anti-tank mines into an armored vehicle before departure to the frontline positions towards Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Dec. 25, 2024.
Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that “readiness to support Ukraine ‘until it wins’ has fallen sharply across western Europe at a critical time for the country, according to a YouGov survey, which polled people in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
The survey revealed that most people now support finding an alternative resolution to the conflict, even a negotiated end that would allow Russia to control parts of Ukraine.
LONDON — ‘You take the high road, I’ll take the low road’: Fulham’s Joachim Andersen, left, fights for the ball with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.
Even with three yellow card warnings, Fulham managed to stay in the game and win 2-1.
