1989
Panama’s dictator, Manual Noriega, seeks asylum at Vatican embassy.
1979
Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in support of the country’s Marxist government.
1970
Walt Disney’s “Aristocats” is released.
1948
For the first time ever, a midnight Mass was broadcast on television. It was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
1893
1871
Giusseppi Verdi’s “Aida” opera premieres in Cairo.
1865
1818
Franz Gruber of Oberndorf, Germany composed the music for “Silent Night” to words written by Josef Mohr.