The strain is sweeping through the United Kingdom and prompting travel restrictions in other countries. The French case is in a citizen who recently returned from London.

The medevac involved a network of ships, helicopters and planes spanning thousands of miles on the frigid continent. Australian officials called it "an outstanding success."

A predominantly Tibetan region in southwest China is home to one of the nation's few Catholic communities. Christmas for them is a raucous affair mixing Buddhist and Christian traditions.

"Vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet," Pope Francis said at the Vatican on a subdued Christmas Day.