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Pope Leo XVI celebrated a Mass in Rome with LGBTQ+ groups participating, emphasizing dignity and inclusion. He met with Jesuit advocate James Martin, reaffirming support for LGBTQ+ acceptance. The pope is also expected to visit Lebanon by December, continuing his focus on peace and dialogue in the Middle East.
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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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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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Lithuania's Vilnius airport was suspended for 11 hours after at least 60 balloons were launched from Belarus, directed at runways. Lithuania sees this as a hybrid attack by Belarus, a close Russian ally, amid rising tensions over drone and balloon incursions linked to regional security concerns.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon and Turkey on Nov 27 for his first trip as pope, focusing on peace, Christian unity, and interfaith dialogue amid regional tensions. He visited key religious sites, called for political unity, and emphasized Lebanon's role as a model of coexistence, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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On November 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque, touring the site with Muslim leaders but declining to pray visibly. His visit, part of his first overseas trip, also includes meetings with Christian leaders and a Catholic Mass in Turkey before heading to Lebanon.