2. The Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut says the city has probably never seen a worse Christmas Day. Five people, two adults and three children died in an early morning house fire. Two others escaped 

 

 

 

3. Princes William and Harry of Britain's royal family visited their grandfather in a hospital. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth, is recovering from heart surgery.

 

 

 

4. Pope Benedict has called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and the resumption of Israeli peace talks in his Christmas message. The Pope said he prayed that the birth of Jesus would send a message to all who need to be saved from hardships.