Christians around the world celebrated Christmas today with the Pope leading prayers for peace and a more tranquil future, pilgrims flocking to Bethlehem and Iraqis staying away from church amid fears of bomb attacks.

A French urban climber who calls himself “Spiderman” today climbed to the top of the world’s tallest building – Taipei 101.

The strongest quake to hit Taiwan in five years shook the capital today, causing tall buildings to sway and shutting down the underground rail system for an hour during the lunch rush. No serious damage or injuries were immediately reported.

TWO Chinese companies have been awarded bids worth €400 million to build the world’s tallest skyscraper in Shanghai, an official newspaper reported today.

A 20-ton slab of granite, inscribed to honour “the enduring spirit of freedom”, has been laid at the World Trade Centre site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

A 20-TON slab of granite, inscribed to honour "the enduring spirit of freedom," was laid yesterday at the World Trade Center site as the cornerstone of the skyscraper that will replace the destroyed towers.

THE world’s tallest skyscraper is nearing completion in Taipei after workmen yesterday finished installed the pinnacle on the 1,676ft Taipei 101 building.