Category: december 2020

Pope Francis in his Christmas message on Friday said political and business leaders must not allow market forces to take priority over making COVID-19 vaccines available to all, condemning nationalism and “the virus of radical individualism.” In a sign of the times, Francis delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message virtually from a lectern inside the Vatican instead of from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica before tens of thousands. The pandemic and its social and economic effects dominated the message, in which Francis called for global unity and help for nations suffering from conflicts and humanitarian crises. He then called for peace and reconciliation in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Sudan, Nigeria and Cameroon and Iraq, which he is due to visit in early March.

Queen Elizabeth II reflected on the difficulties of the past year in her Christmas message, but also delivered a message of hope, amid a pandemic that has altered much of the way we live our lives. The Queen said in a year that “has necessarily kept people apart,” people around the world have, “in many ways” been brought close together. She spoke about how she has been inspired by volunteers who have donated their time and resources to help people in need. The Queen commended front-line workers for their dedication, and said the world owes them “a debt of gratitude.”

Europe correspondent Paul Waldie says the U.K. believes the latest variant was spreading for ‘at least’ a couple months.

Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann weighs in on Trump’s pardoning of Roger Stone, Paul Manafort and Charles Kushner, saying that Stone, Manafort and Michael Flynn could be subpoenaed in the future and cannot be pardoned for future crimes. Aired on 12/24/2020.

House Republicans on Thursday are set to reject House Speaker Pelosi’s attempt to pass a bill boosting stimulus payments for individuals to $2,000, according to reporting. Politico’s Jake Sherman joins Morning Joe to discuss. Aired on 12/24/2020.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a Christmas address to his fellow Canadians on Dec. 24, offering a message of hope as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. “This time of year is supposed to be full of joy, light and family traditions,” he said. “But this Christmas is different.” Trudeau said that although “this isn’t the holiday season we wanted,” Canadians “can and should give thanks for everything that unites us.” The prime minister added that the country has met “these challenging times with generosity, kindness and hope.”

Dr. Fauci is serenaded for his 80th birthday as he leaves work.

Rachel Maddow reports on Donald Trump entertaining the idea of imposing martial law to keep himself in power and his calls for supporters to participate in a “wild” protest in Washington, D.C. on January 6th, when he hopes Republicans will help him sabotage the official counting of the 2020 electoral votes. Aired on 12/24/2020.

NBC News’ Simone Boyce takes look back at this year’s most important climate-related events.

With long lines at food banks across the country, families tell NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz that they plan on sharing what they have with others in need in their communities.