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Spain’s Catholic Church Signs Deal to Compensate Abuse Victims

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Spain’s Roman Catholic Church has reached an agreement with the government to compensate victims of sexual abuse by clergy members. The new accord allows the government to manage compensation for cases where legal action is no longer possible due to the statute of limitations or the death of the accused, expanding access for victims. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños described the move as addressing a “historic, moral debt” to survivors.

Under the agreement, victims can submit their cases to a new agency within the justice ministry, which will coordinate with the ombudsman’s office to propose reparations. The Church must approve these proposals, which can be symbolic, psychological, or financial, with the institution responsible for execution. The arrangement ensures greater oversight and transparency compared to the Church’s previous internal reparation scheme, which faced criticism from victims and advocacy groups.

The move follows widespread complaints and research suggesting that hundreds of thousands of Spaniards have suffered abuse by Church figures, with cases documented as far back as the 1940s. Similar redress programs in European countries offer financial compensation ranging from €6,000 to €63,000 per victim, providing a reference for potential payouts under Spain’s new system.

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Pope Leo Urges Cardinals to Foster a More Inclusive Church

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Pope Leo XIV convened a two-day summit with 170 of the world’s 245 Catholic cardinals on Thursday, calling on senior clerics to avoid divisions and focus on attracting new believers to the 1.4-billion-member Church. He emphasized that the Church’s growth depends on spreading a message of God’s love for all and warned that division scatters while unity attracts.

The pope signaled continuity with the reforms of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who faced resistance from conservative cardinals while seeking to make Catholicism more inclusive, including welcoming LGBTQ Catholics and exploring women’s ordination. Leo encouraged the cardinals to work collectively to respond to the needs and desires of the Catholic faithful worldwide.

Opening his first full year as Church leader, Leo asked the cardinals for advice on priorities for the next two years, while urging them to keep discussions private for candid dialogue. British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe highlighted the importance of unity, stressing that internal quarrels render the cardinals ineffective in supporting the Pope’s mission.

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Pope Leo Closes Holy Year, Calls for Compassion Toward Foreigners

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Pope Leo on Tuesday formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging Christians around the world to show greater kindness to those in need, especially foreigners and migrants. Speaking at a Vatican ceremony, he reflected on the record 33.5 million pilgrims who visited Rome during the jubilee, calling on them to recognise humanity in strangers rather than viewing people as commodities.

Highlighting themes that have defined the early months of his papacy, Leo criticised what he described as a distorted global economy that seeks to profit from everything, including human movement and aspiration. Dressed in gold-trimmed vestments, the pope shut the bronze Holy Door at 9:41 a.m., officially ending the jubilee year, which traditionally symbolises peace, forgiveness and renewal for Catholics.

The 2025 Holy Year was notable as a rare historical event, having been opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, following Francis’ death in April after 12 years as pontiff. Vatican officials said pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, led by Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland. The next jubilee is not expected before 2033, when the Church may mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

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Vatican Commission Rules Out Women Serving as Catholic Deacons

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A high-level Vatican commission has voted against allowing women to serve as Catholic deacons, upholding the Church’s tradition of all-male clergy. The decision came in a 7-1 vote and was reported to Pope Leo, with the findings released publicly on Thursday. While the commission ruled out the possibility at this time, it recommended continued study of the issue.

The report stated that historical research and theological investigations “exclude the possibility” of ordaining women as deacons for now. However, it noted that its assessment does not allow a definitive judgment to be made, leaving room for future consideration. Pope Francis had previously set up two commissions to explore the role of women deacons, although the discussions were held in secrecy until now.

While women cannot serve as priests under Church law—a ban formalized by Pope John Paul II in 1994—the question of female deacons has remained open. Supporters cite early Church history, including references to Phoebe in St. Paul’s letters, as evidence that women once held the role. Advocates continue to push for broader inclusion within Church ministries.

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Pope Leo Concludes First Overseas Trip with Peace Appeal in Lebanon

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Pope Leo XIV concluded his first overseas journey as the Catholic leader with a powerful call for peace during a three-day visit to Lebanon. His final day included a solemn prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, where a devastating chemical blast killed 200 people and left billions of dollars in damage. The pontiff, who has emphasized that humanity’s future is threatened by ongoing global conflicts, also prepared to lead a waterfront Mass expected to draw nearly 100,000 people before departing for Rome.

Throughout the visit, Pope Leo urged Lebanon’s political and religious leaders to persevere in peace efforts despite continued tensions following last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. In a significant meeting with leaders of Lebanon’s Christian, Sunni, Shi’ite, and Druze communities, he encouraged unity and dialogue to heal a nation burdened by years of political paralysis, economic collapse, and widespread migration. Observers worldwide paid close attention, as this marked his first major international appearance since becoming pope in May.

The pope also visited a psychiatric hospital run by Franciscan nuns and met survivors and families affected by the Beirut blast, offering prayers and symbolic gestures of solidarity. Many Lebanese, including young volunteers, expressed hope that his visit could signal a fresh start after years of hardship. Lebanon, home to the region’s largest Christian population, continues to struggle with the effects of spillover violence from the Gaza conflict and the weight of hosting nearly one million refugees, all while confronting a severe economic crisis that has persisted since 2019.

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Runaway Austrian Nuns Allowed to Stay in Convent—But Only if They Quit Social Media

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Three elderly Austrian nuns who left a Catholic care home and returned to their former Alpine convent have been told they may stay—but only if they give up social media. Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86), and Rita (82) had been removed from the Kloster Goldenstein convent in 2023, a move they say was against their will. After returning in September with the help of former students and a locksmith, the nuns rejected the Church’s initial terms, calling them a “gagging contract”.

The nuns have gained global attention after supporters began posting videos of their daily routines—from prayer sessions to Sister Rita’s exercise workouts—amassing nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. Their online popularity angered Church authorities, who now say the sisters may remain at the convent only if they stop posting online and restrict access to the private parts of the monastery. In exchange, the Church will continue providing medical and spiritual support.

In a statement, the nuns said they were open to discussion but insisted that giving up social media would deprive them of their “only protection” and lacked legal basis. The three have spent decades at Schloss Goldenstein, which served as a convent and school since 1877. Despite their community being formally dissolved in 2024, the sisters remain determined to stay in the place they have called home for most of their lives.

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Pope Leo Urges U.S. Youth: Use AI Wisely, Not for Homework

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Pope Leo has advised American students to avoid using artificial intelligence to complete their homework, saying it should be used as a tool for personal growth rather than a shortcut. Speaking via live video from the Vatican to about 15,000 young people gathered at a Catholic youth conference in Indianapolis, the pope said AI is rapidly becoming a defining force in society, but should be used responsibly and in ways that build knowledge, not replace effort.

In the 40-minute dialogue, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — answered questions about faith, friendships, and personal development. He urged the young audience to make real connections and rely on human relationships over digital replacements.

Pope Leo also briefly touched on U.S. politics, reiterating his call for compassion in immigration debates. Criticizing divisive rhetoric, he emphasized that Christians should be “bridge builders rather than wall builders” and reminded listeners that the Church is not bound to any political party but is meant to guide conscience and promote wisdom and love.

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Vatican Clarifies: Salvation Came Through Jesus, Not Mary

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The Vatican has issued a new decree reaffirming that Jesus Christ alone redeemed humanity, directing Catholics to stop referring to the Virgin Mary as “co-redeemer.” Approved by Pope Leo, the decision closes a long-standing theological debate that has divided Church scholars and even recent popes over Mary’s role in salvation. The doctrinal office warned that the title could cause confusion and disrupt core Christian teachings.

While the Catholic Church continues to honor Mary as the Mother of God and an important spiritual intercessor, the instruction emphasizes that she did not participate directly in saving the world from sin. The document notes that by giving birth to Jesus, she played a vital part in God’s plan, but redemption remains solely the work of Christ through his crucifixion and resurrection.

The decree also reflects the stance taken by both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, who had opposed the “co-redeemer” title, unlike Pope John Paul II who once supported it before later stepping away from its use. Citing the Gospel, the Vatican recalls Mary’s humble response to becoming the mother of Jesus — “Let it be” — highlighting her faith and obedience without attributing to her a salvific role equal to Christ.

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Italy’s Abortion Divide Deepens Under Meloni’s Leadership

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Giorgia Meloni’s leadership has positioned Italy under one of the most openly anti-abortion prime ministers in Western Europe. In a country with a strong Catholic influence and home to the Vatican, accessing abortion services has historically been difficult.

Recently, Linda Feki, a 33-year-old singer from Naples, shared her experiences of stigma and mistreatment while seeking an abortion. Her post resonated with many Italian women, who expressed their support. However, it also drew criticism, revealing a deepening national divide over reproductive rights under Meloni’s government. Feki felt a responsibility as a public figure to advocate for abortion rights and share her story.

Abortion in Italy is legal within the first three months and, in certain circumstances, afterward to protect the mother’s health. Despite this legal framework, numerous bureaucratic, cultural, and practical barriers exist. According to health ministry data, about 63% of gynecologists in Italy refuse to perform abortions on ethical grounds, a figure that exceeds 80% in some southern regions.

Feki’s journey began at Naples’ San Paolo hospital, where a gynecologist questioned her decision to abort and incorrectly assessed her pregnancy’s stage. After obtaining confirmation from a private doctor of an earlier stage, she faced further challenges at Cardarelli hospital, where she endured severe pain without pain relief and received inadequate support post-surgery.

She underwent the procedure on March 4, the same day France recognized abortion as a constitutional right. On social media, Feki expressed her frustration over being judged immediately after surgery, insisting that there should be no stigma surrounding a woman’s right to choose.

In response to Feki’s feedback, Cardarelli hospital acknowledged potential improvements in patient care and indicated they were in contact with her. Meloni, as Italy’s first female prime minister, maintains a conservative stance, advocating for measures that promote prevention while promising to uphold the 1978 abortion law.

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Vatican stands firm on social issues like sex change and surrogacy

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The Vatican, led by Pope Francis, has reaffirmed its strong opposition to various issues including sex changes, gender theory, surrogate parenthood, abortion, and euthanasia in a document named “Dignitas Infinita” (Infinite Dignity). Alongside these, it also highlights concerns regarding poverty, migration, and human trafficking, seeing them as threats to human dignity.

Criticism towards Pope Francis comes from both conservative and liberal factions within the Catholic Church. While some conservatives accuse him of straying too far from traditional teachings, liberals argue that he hasn’t pushed the Church enough towards evolution on these matters.

In 2023, Pope Francis made statements allowing transgender individuals to be baptized in the Catholic Church under certain conditions and permitted priests to bless same-sex couples in specific circumstances, though maintaining the traditional view of marriage. He also tasked Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, a close associate, with examining modern societal challenges.

Cardinal Fernández faced backlash for a book he authored in the late 1990s, which delved into human sexuality in detail. Despite these controversies, Pope Francis has shown openness on certain issues like same-sex unions and women’s roles in the Church.

However, the Pope remains steadfast in his opposition to surrogacy and gender theory, condemning them as morally wrong. The recent declaration, Dignitas Infinita, denounces abortion as a severe moral crisis and surrogacy as harmful to both women and children, emphasizing the sanctity of one’s birth sex.

Pope Francis’s stance underscores the complexity of his beliefs, defying simple labels of “progressive” or “conservative.” Despite his advanced age, as indicated in his autobiography, he has no plans to retire and intends to continue serving as Pope indefinitely.

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