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Pope Francis has ruled out the ordination of women as deacons, stating the time is 'not ripe.' This decision has disappointed many Catholics advocating for gender equality within the Church, especially following a synod that raised hopes for reform. The ongoing debate highlights the Church's struggle with modern societal values regarding women's roles.
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Starting December 8, Notre Dame Cathedral will charge a €5 entry fee for cultural visitors, aiming to generate €75 million annually for the restoration of France's religious buildings. This initiative follows the cathedral's devastating fire in 2019 and is part of broader preservation efforts across the country.
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The Vatican's Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its first report, criticizing church leaders for inadequate responses to clerical sexual abuse. The report emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and better support for victims, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in safeguarding practices across various countries.
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Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has experienced a series of eruptions since November 4, 2024, affecting over 10,000 residents. The volcano's alert status has been raised to the highest level, and authorities are evacuating approximately 16,000 people from the danger zone as ash clouds and volcanic debris continue to pose risks.
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On November 12, 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally apologized to over 200,000 survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. This follows a July report detailing systemic abuse spanning seven decades, particularly affecting Māori individuals. Survivors expressed disappointment over the lack of immediate compensation details.
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Samuel Woodward, 27, was sentenced to life without parole for the murder of Blaze Bernstein, a gay, Jewish college student. The sentencing follows Woodward's conviction for first-degree murder as a hate crime, stemming from Bernstein's brutal killing in January 2018. Bernstein's family expressed relief at the sentence, emphasizing the hate-fueled nature of the crime.