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On December 15, 2025, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the national security law. Lai, a British citizen and founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily, has spent five years in custody, with his health reportedly deteriorating. The verdict marks a significant moment in Beijing's crackdown on dissent.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a rare 'special message' criticizing the treatment of migrants, detention conditions, and threats against houses of worship. The bishops called for humane treatment and highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement, aligning with Pope Leo XIV's advocacy for human dignity amid ongoing U.S. immigration debates. The story is current as of Tue, 18 Nov 2025.
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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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Multiple school kidnappings in Nigeria continue to dominate headlines. Over 250 students and staff remain in captivity after recent attacks, prompting international calls for their release. The government has responded with security measures, but the crisis highlights ongoing insecurity and threats to education in the region.
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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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A fire at a Hong Kong high-rise complex has killed at least 75 people, with dozens still missing. The blaze, which tore through seven towers, is the deadliest in decades, prompting arrests over construction negligence and raising safety concerns about building standards.
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Pope Leo arrived in Turkey on his first international trip, emphasizing Turkey's role as a mediator in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. He called for dialogue, peace, and Christian-Muslim unity, while addressing issues such as women's rights and regional stability. The visit marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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Pope Leo XIV marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed in Turkey, urging Christian leaders to unite and promote peace amid ongoing conflicts. His visit highlights efforts to foster dialogue among denominations and address global tensions, including in Lebanon and the Middle East.
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On November 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque, removing his shoes as a sign of respect but choosing not to pray visibly. He toured the mosque with Muslim leaders, engaging in light conversation, and broke from predecessors by skipping the Hagia Sophia. His visit marks the start of his first overseas trip, which includes Lebanon.
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Pope Leo arrived in Lebanon on Sunday, his first trip abroad as pope, to appeal for peace amid ongoing Israeli strikes and regional conflict. He met with leaders, visited religious sites, and aimed to foster hope in a country strained by war, refugees, and economic crisis.
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Pope Leo visited Lebanon, meeting with officials and addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He emphasized Turkey's role in peace efforts and reiterated support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. The trip highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional instability.
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The first U.S. pope, Leo, is in Lebanon to pray at the Beirut port site of a 2020 chemical explosion and lead a mass. He urges Lebanon's leaders to pursue peace amid regional tensions and conflict, including Israeli strikes and spillover from Gaza. His visit aims to promote unity and hope.
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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.