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On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager who died of leukemia in 2006, during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands. Acutis, known as “God’s Influencer,” used technology to document Eucharistic miracles and is hailed as a relatable role model for young Catholics. The ceremony also canonized Pier Giorgio Frassati, noted for his charity.
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Pope Leo XVI, in his first major interview, discussed topics including the Vatican's stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the China-Vatican agreement, and the church's handling of the sex abuse crisis. He emphasized continuity in doctrine, ongoing study of diplomatic relations, and respect for priests amid ongoing challenges. The interview was published on September 19, 2025.
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In Bari, Italy, a group of women known as 'pasta grannies' face police raids over allegations of selling factory-made pasta, threatening their traditional craft. Meanwhile, global food scenes in Athens, Copenhagen, Porto, and Florence highlight vibrant culinary cultures, with seasonal recipes and local ingredients shaping regional identities. The stories reflect tensions between tradition and regulation, and the enduring importance of authentic food.
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Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for urgent climate action during a Vatican event marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si. He called for a shift from data collection to ecological care, urging world leaders to listen to the cry of the Earth and the poor, amid ongoing political debates on climate change.
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Pope Leo will undertake his first overseas trip since his election, visiting Turkey from 27-30 November and Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December. The trip will include a pilgrimage to Iznik for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea and aims to promote peace and dialogue in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts.
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On October 23, 2025, King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in the Sistine Chapel, marking the first joint worship between an English monarch and a Catholic pope since 1534. The ecumenical service, emphasizing environmental conservation, symbolizes a historic rapprochement between the Church of England and the Catholic Church after nearly five centuries of separation.
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The Vatican canonized seven individuals, including a former Satanic priest turned Catholic saint, a Venezuelan doctor of the poor, and a Papua New Guinea martyr. The ceremony, attended by thousands, highlights themes of faith, charity, and perseverance amid global tensions and crises. The event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and Venezuelan national identity.
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Tunisia has resumed voluntary repatriations of migrants, with about 7,200 returned in 2024, amid ongoing regional migration tragedies. Recent shipwrecks off Libya and Tunisia have resulted in over 58 deaths, highlighting the dangers of Mediterranean crossings. EU-Tunisia cooperation aims to curb migration, while Libya's chaos fuels deadly crossings.
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Pope Leo, the first American pope, is visiting Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. The trip commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and includes a prayer at the Beirut port blast site. The visit aims to promote interfaith dialogue and regional peace amid ongoing tensions.
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The Vatican celebrated the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a document that redefined Catholic-Jewish relations, amid rising antisemitism linked to the Gaza conflict. Leaders reaffirmed condemnation of antisemitism and emphasized ongoing dialogue, despite tensions caused by recent comments on Israel and Gaza.
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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has completed six months in office. His approach is more reserved than Pope Francis, but he has begun addressing issues like immigration and international tensions, signaling a focus on dialogue and pastoral care amid ongoing global challenges.
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As of early December 2025, the US has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, conducting over 20 strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing at least 83 people. President Trump announced plans to extend operations from sea to land while maintaining openness to dialogue with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The US military buildup in the Caribbean includes an aircraft carrier group and thousands of troops amid accusations of regime change motives.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on December 1 for his first trip as pope, focusing on peace, Christian unity, and interfaith dialogue amid ongoing regional conflicts. He visited key religious sites, urged Lebanese leaders to unite, and called for peace in the region, including at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
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Pope Leo, the first US pope, is on a three-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and advocating for Christian unity, regional peace, and interfaith dialogue amid ongoing conflicts and regional tensions.
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On November 27-29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, made his inaugural overseas trip to Turkey, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. He met President Erdogan, engaged with Catholic and Orthodox leaders, and promoted Christian unity, interfaith dialogue, and peace amid regional conflicts. The visit also highlighted Turkey's role in hosting refugees and mediating regional tensions.
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Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon follows engagements in Istanbul, including a prayer at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and a liturgy with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. His trip aims to support Lebanon during its ongoing crises, including economic collapse, the Beirut port explosion, and regional conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel. The pope will meet victims of the Beirut blast and encourage Lebanese unity and resilience.
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On December 2, 2025, Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut to pray at the site of the devastating August 4, 2020 port explosion that killed over 220 people. He met survivors and families still seeking justice amid political obstruction. The pope urged Lebanese leaders to pursue truth and reconciliation, offering hope amid ongoing economic and regional crises.
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Pope Leo announced a new book, 'Peace Be with You!', featuring sermons since his election in May. Scheduled for release on Feb. 26, it promotes peace, unity, and reconciliation, referencing his first public remarks as pope and his spiritual influences. The book aims to deepen understanding of his message.
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The Vatican has officially dissolved its 'Commission on Donations,' which was created by Pope Francis to improve financial transparency. The move, announced by Pope Leo, aims to address credibility issues and start fresh with a new working group. The decision follows ongoing financial challenges and efforts to reform Vatican finances.
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Recent nativity displays in Massachusetts and Nicaragua reflect ongoing conflicts over religion and immigration. In Dedham, Mass., a scene with ICE's presence sparks controversy, while in Miami, families celebrate traditional festivities amid repression in Nicaragua. Both stories reveal societal struggles today.