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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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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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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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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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Pope Leo and Palestinian Authority leader Abbas met in Vatican, discussing Gaza's ongoing conflict and the need for a two-state solution. The meeting follows nearly a month of a fragile ceasefire and marks the first in-person encounter since Leo's election in May. Both leaders emphasized aid for Gaza and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
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Taiwan is increasing diplomatic efforts with Europe and Israel, dispatching officials to strengthen trade and security cooperation. Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim visited Brussels, urging EU support, while Taiwan's foreign minister emphasized closer relations with Israel amid regional tensions. The moves reflect Taiwan's strategic diplomacy amidst China’s opposition.
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On December 9, 2025, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to repeated incursions of weather balloons and drones from Belarus, which have disrupted Vilnius airport operations and civil aviation. Lithuania accuses Belarus of orchestrating a hybrid attack involving smuggling contraband cigarettes and destabilizing national security. The emergency grants military powers to coordinate with law enforcement to counter these threats.
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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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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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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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On December 7-8, 2025, 100 children abducted from St Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, were released and transported to Abuja before being handed to local officials. Over 150 students and 12 teachers remain captive after the November 21 mass kidnapping. Details of the release remain undisclosed amid ongoing rescue efforts.