In brief
2025 was riddled with challenges, yet certain stories emerged that inspired hope and joy. The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV’s call to his brother, a surprise for a Nobel Prize winner, and a couple’s wedding amidst floodwaters showcase resilience. Additionally, a youth theater's production following destruction by wildfire rejects despair, affirming life continues amidst adversity.
The selection of the first American pope was a major highlight, capturing the world's attention. In an unexpected moment, a journalist experienced a meaningful call as the new pope rang his brother from the basement.
While 2025 was marked by political struggles, natural disasters and an overall sense of upheaval, it also bore witness to moments that uplifted the human spirit. The Associated Press followed these threads of positivity, revealing joyful stories that highlighted resilience—like a couple who wed in a flooded church in the Philippines and a theater group that performed after a devastating wildfire...
