Trump lays wreath in honour of fallen soldiers in Westminster Abbey

Donald Trump laid a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey on the first day of his state visit to the UK.

The US President was greeted on the steps of the abbey by the Dean, Dr John Hall, before a tour and a brief service as his three-day state visit got underway. 

He was accompanied on his visit to the abbey by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump. 

The wreath was laid in honour of the fallen in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts, with prayers led by Dr Hall. 

During the tour, the President and First Lady were shown the graves of Isaac Newton and Professor Stephen Hawking, the High Altar and Coronation theatre, Henry VII's Lady Chapel, and the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots.

Before their departure, they were invited to sign the abbey's visitor book. 

The last US president to visit the abbey was Barack Obama in 2011.  George W Bush also visited the abbey in 2003. 

In a full first day, President Trump received a warm welcome to Britain from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. 

The ceremonial welcome included a private lunch and a guided tour of the Royal Collection. 

It was a serene moment in contrast to the Twitter storm that broke out earlier when Trump called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a "stone cold loser" before he had even touched down on British soil. 

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would boycott the state dinner planned for the evening.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.