Here are the big stories today in photos.
Pope Francis sends message of hope
Pope Francis kisses a statue of Baby Jesus as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday. Pope Francis in his homily reminded the billions of Catholics around the world that “Christ continues to love us, even the worst of us” and urged everyone to celebrate Christmas with hope. Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Christmas day rescue
Rescue workers assist residents during the rescue operation as water rises at municipality of President Roxas in Capiz on Wednesday morning. Heavy rains brought by typhoon Ursula caused massive flooding around Visayas as it moves west at 20 kph, with maximum sustained winds of up to 140 kph near the center and gusts of up to 195 kph. Photo courtesy of Loumarie Degala
Destruction along Ursula’s path
Residents check debris from damaged houses after Typhoon Ursula hit Barangay Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran on Wednesday morning. Weather bureau PAGASA warns residents of very destructive winds and intense rainfall over Aklan, northern portion of Antique, and Romblon as Ursula moves west. Photo courtesy of Randy Borja
Flood in Ormoc on Christmas day
Residents wade through a flooded highway, caused by heavy rains due to typhoon Ursula, in Ormoc City, Leyte on Christmas Day, Wednesday. Typhoon Ursula pummeled the central Philippines on December 25, bringing a wet, miserable and terrifying holiday season to millions in the mainly Catholic nation. Ronald Frank Dejon, AFP
Cleaning up after Ursula
A woman clears debris from fallen trees along the streets of Borongan City on Wednesday. Typhoon Ursula’s destructive winds toppled trees and damaged houses along its path a day after it made landfall in Salcedo, Eastern Samar on December 24. Alren Beronio, ABS-CBN News
Playing with bubbles on Christmas
A boy plays with bubbles as families spend Christmas Day at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, as many establishments in Metro Manila were closed for the holiday. Many families went outdoors despite potential rainfall from Typhoon Ursula, which ravaged parts of Visayas on Wednesday. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Rainclouds on Christmas night
Rain clouds hover over Rockwell Center in Makati City and its environs on Wednesday evening, Christmas Day. Typhoon Ursula maintained its strength and brought heavy rainfall to different parts of the country as it moved west-northwest over Mindoro Strait on Wednesday evening, according to PAGASA. Joseph Manalo, ABS-CBN News