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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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Edward Berger's film 'Conclave' delves into the secretive papal election process, featuring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence. The movie, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival, highlights the political maneuvering and personal crises faced by cardinals as they vie for the papacy. It opened in theaters on October 25, 2024.
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As Rome's Trevi Fountain undergoes maintenance, visitors are now tossing coins into a makeshift pool instead of the iconic basin. This change has sparked mixed reactions among tourists, with preparations underway for a significant influx of visitors during the 2025 Jubilee.
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Hainan Airlines flight HU438 returned to Rome's Fiumicino Airport on November 10 after a bird strike caused an engine fire. Meanwhile, Qantas flight QF520 made an emergency landing in Sydney on November 8 due to a suspected engine failure. No injuries were reported in either incident.
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Italy's controversial migration deal with Albania has faltered as judges ordered the transfer of asylum seekers back to Italy, citing legal concerns. The plan, aimed at processing migrants outside the EU, has drawn criticism and raised questions about its legality and effectiveness, with only a handful of migrants sent to Albania since its inception.
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Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II' premiered on November 15, 2024, continuing the saga of Lucius, son of Maximus. The film features grand battles and a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington. Critics have mixed feelings, praising its spectacle while questioning its narrative depth. The film grossed $87 million globally in its opening weekend.
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South Korean actor Song Jae-lim was found dead at his home in Seoul on November 12, 2024. Known for his roles in 'Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'Queen Woo,' police do not suspect foul play. Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry, highlighting his impact and legacy.
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Airbnb has partnered with the Colosseum Archaeological Park to host a gladiator-themed event in May 2025, coinciding with the release of 'Gladiator II.' The initiative has sparked criticism from local officials and activists concerned about overtourism and the commercialization of cultural heritage.
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Pope Francis has urged for an investigation into potential genocide in Gaza, following Israel's military actions that have reportedly killed over 40,000 Palestinians since October 2023. His comments, made in a forthcoming book, mark a significant escalation in his rhetoric regarding the conflict.
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British Airways experienced significant delays on Monday evening due to a technical failure affecting its operational systems. Passengers reported issues with check-in and communication, but no flights were canceled. The airline has since resolved the issue, but concerns remain about future disruptions.