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148 of 176 churches in Gwoza burned down, christian group details years of Boko Haram persecution

Simeon Bateren
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148 of 176 churches in Gwoza burned down, christian group details years of Boko Haram persecution

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — The Gwoza Christian Community Association (GCCA) in Borno State says 148 of 176 churches in the community have been burned to the ground, leaving only ruins behind after years of Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.

In a statement titled “The Unspoken Genocide: GCCA Account on Christian Persecution in Gwoza, Borno State,” signed by Rev. Dr. (Arc) Ayuba John Bassa and Rev. Filibus K. Goma, the group described a pattern of destruction, displacement, and killings that has erased nearly all traces of Christian life in the area.

According to the GCCA, Gwoza once had a vibrant Christian population, but entire neighborhoods in Gwoza East and West were leveled during the insurgency. The group said 74 towns and villages were attacked, 36,946 families displaced, and 292 people killed in a single 2013 assault on Gwoza West.

In Attagara alone, 13 churches were destroyed and 1,738 families displaced. By June 2014, the group said 2,403 Christian homes and 28 churches had been razed across Gwoza, Kamba, and Gharza. Twelve pastors were among those killed.

The statement accused Boko Haram of carrying out a “systematic attempt to erase Christians and their heritage” from the region. It also criticized both the Nigerian government and Christian institutions for remaining silent, questioning whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has “become a passive observer.”

Reconstruction in the region has been “highly uneven,” the GCCA said, alleging that while thousands of Muslim homes have been rebuilt, “virtually no Christian homes have been restored.” Of the thousands of resettlement houses constructed, the association claimed only three belong to Christians.

The group pointed to the demolition of the Gwoza General Hospital Mosque, once a symbol of interfaith unity, during rehabilitation to make way for a solar farm, despite appeals to preserve it.

The GCCA added that Christian Religious Knowledge is no longer taught in local schools, Christians are denied land for worship, and mosques now occupy sites where churches once stood. Before Boko Haram’s rise, Christians made up about five percent of Gwoza’s population, but today more than 107,000 live as internally displaced persons or refugees, most without government aid.

The association urged the Nigerian government to protect citizens “irrespective of faith” and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for targeted attacks. It also called on international bodies, including the United States and global human rights organizations, to conduct independent humanitarian investigations and provide assistance to displaced Christians.

“We have endured atrocities for too long, hoping things would change. They have not,” the statement read. “The time for denial and silence is over. Please talk about it until the world knows.”

The report, shared by journalist Steven Kefas, has renewed debate over the persecution of Christians and the long-term devastation left by Boko Haram’s campaign across Nigeria’s northeast.

ECOWAS rejects Trump’s ‘Genocide’ claim as divisive and dangerous

Simeon Bateren
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ECOWAS rejects Trump’s ‘Genocide’ claim as divisive and dangerous

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned and rejected recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the claim as false, divisive, and dangerous to the peace and unity of the region.

In a strongly worded communiqué issued Tuesday, ECOWAS said such remarks risk deepening mistrust among communities and emboldening extremist groups operating in parts of West Africa. The bloc accused those spreading the claims of attempting to “sow division, fuel insecurity, and undermine social harmony” within member states.

The regional body emphasized that violent extremist networks in the region target victims indiscriminately, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender. “Extremist networks have indiscriminately targeted people of diverse faiths Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional religions,” ECOWAS stated. “As independent reports have confirmed over the years, terrorist-related violence does not discriminate based on religion, gender, or ethnicity.”

The communiqué added that there is no evidence to support allegations of a coordinated campaign or genocide against Christians in Nigeria or elsewhere in West Africa. Instead, the violence, ECOWAS said, stems from terrorism, banditry, and political instability, all of which transcend religious lines.

ECOWAS called on the United Nations, international partners, and foreign governments to reject what it described as “false and dangerous narratives” and to work collaboratively with African nations in addressing the root causes of insecurity. “The bloc urges the UN and all global partners to treat as false any claims that these terrorist groups target one faith or that a genocide against a religious group is taking place in the region,” the statement read.

The organization further appealed for sustained international cooperation in combating violent extremism, urging partners to support West African-led initiatives that promote peace, development, and resilience in affected communities.

The ECOWAS statement comes after Trump, in a recent media interview, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were being systematically targeted and killed, warning that the United States might consider military intervention or suspend aid to the country. The remarks triggered widespread concern across the subregion, with leaders warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions in already volatile areas.

Regional analysts say the ECOWAS response reflects growing frustration among African governments over what they view as oversimplified or misleading portrayals of complex conflicts in the region. They argue that while religious identities are often exploited by insurgent groups, the underlying issues are rooted in poverty, weak governance, and competition over resources.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and interfaith harmony in West Africa, stressing that unity and collaboration remain central to defeating terrorism and safeguarding the region’s progress. “We strongly reject these false and dangerous claims that seek to deepen insecurity in communities and weaken social cohesion,” the communiqué concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he plans to marry Georgina Rodríguez after the 2026 World Cup

Simeon Bateren
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Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he plans to marry Georgina Rodríguez after the 2026 World Cup

LISBON (BN24) — Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will marry his long-time partner, Georgina Rodríguez, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Al-Nassr forward said the couple has decided to tie the knot next summer, describing their relationship as one built on trust, patience, and deep affection.

In part one of his new interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Ronaldo revealed that the long-awaited wedding will take place after the World Cup a tournament he hopes to end by lifting the trophy with Portugal. “Not yet,” Ronaldo said when asked if the date had been set. “We plan to do it after the World Cup with the trophy! But she is not the person who likes big parties. She prefers private things. So I will respect these decisions.”

The revelation marks a milestone in a romance that began in 2016, when the couple reportedly met at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Rodríguez was working as a sales assistant. Their relationship has since grown into one of the most followed partnerships in global sports, marked by public devotion and shared family life.

Ronaldo, 40, proposed to Rodríguez earlier this year, confirming their engagement in August after nearly a decade together. The Argentine-Spanish model and influencer announced the news on Instagram, posting a photograph of her diamond ring with the caption: “Yes, I do. In this and in all my lives.” The post garnered millions of likes within hours, with fans and celebrities congratulating the couple.

Speaking to Morgan, Ronaldo reflected on the proposal and the emotions surrounding it. “One thing that I love is that she didn’t care about the ring,” he said. “She asked me if I was honest, and I said, ‘I want you, and I want to marry you.’ I didn’t cry, but I had tears in my eyes.”

Jewelry experts have since estimated the ring’s value at around £1.5 million. The piece, believed to feature a 15- to 20-carat diamond, was described by luxury engagement specialist Laura Taylor as “one of the most impressive rings in recent years.”

“A diamond of this size is almost certainly set in platinum for durability, which enhances its brilliance and gives it a timeless elegance,” Taylor explained. “If the diamond is natural and of top-tier quality within the D-F colour range and flawless or near-flawless in clarity, its value could easily exceed £1.5 million.”

Ronaldo and Rodríguez share two biological children and are raising three others from Ronaldo’s previous relationships. The family, who split their time between Riyadh and Madrid, often shares glimpses of their life on social media, including family vacations, birthdays, and the children’s milestones.

Rodríguez, 31, has carved out her own career as a model, entrepreneur, and television personality. She stars in the hit Netflix reality series I Am Georgina, which chronicles her life as a mother, businesswoman, and partner to one of the world’s most successful athletes. The show has drawn millions of viewers, offering an intimate look at her transformation from retail worker to global celebrity.

Despite their fame, Ronaldo emphasized that his future wife values privacy and simplicity. “She’s not someone who enjoys being the center of attention at big events,” he said. “Our wedding will reflect that something private, meaningful, and surrounded by the people we love.”

For Ronaldo, who is entering what could be his final World Cup, the marriage represents both a personal and symbolic closure to an extraordinary career. Having won five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous domestic and international titles, the Portuguese captain said his focus remains on achieving one last dream leading Portugal to another World Cup triumph.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, may be Ronaldo’s last major tournament. If Portugal lifts the trophy, it would mark a historic finale for a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history.

The couple’s upcoming marriage has already become one of the most anticipated celebrity events of 2026, but true to their statements, it is expected to be a low-key affair attended only by close family and friends.

As Ronaldo told Morgan, the focus will not be on extravagance but on love, family, and the next chapter of a relationship that has already spanned nearly a decade. “Georgina is my home,” he said. “After football, she is my world.”

UPS cargo plane crashes on takeoff at Louisville Airport, sparks massive fire and injuries reported

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UPS cargo plane crashes on takeoff at Louisville Airport, sparks massive fire and injuries reported

Louisville (BN24) – A UPS cargo plane carrying three crew members crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, igniting a large fire and prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene. The crash, which occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky and forced officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods north of the airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft—UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 manufactured in 1991—had just departed for Honolulu, Hawaii, when it went down near the airport’s perimeter. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed that injuries were reported, though the full extent remained unclear Tuesday night.

UPS, in an initial statement, said it had not yet confirmed any injuries or fatalities. “Our focus is on our crew members and their families. We are cooperating with authorities and will share more information as it becomes available,” the company said.

Emergency crews from Louisville Metro Fire and Airport Fire Services worked to extinguish a massive blaze fueled by the aircraft’s large quantity of jet fuel. Television footage and eyewitness videos showed flames and thick black smoke stretching across a nearby parking area as firefighters battled to contain the inferno.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that multiple injuries had been reported, adding that “all of our emergency resources are on the scene right now.” He also noted that the plane’s fuel load had significantly intensified the fire.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was monitoring the situation closely. “First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected,” Beshear posted on X. Later, he confirmed he was traveling to Louisville to oversee the state’s response.

Authorities extended the shelter-in-place order to all areas between the airport and the Ohio River, citing heavy smoke and potential airborne hazards. Residents were urged to avoid the area as emergency crews continued to douse the flames and secure the crash site.

UPS, one of Louisville’s largest employers, operates its global air hub and headquarters from the airport, known by its code SDF. The facility handles hundreds of daily flights and employs more than 25,000 workers in the region.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced they will jointly investigate the cause of the crash. The NTSB said a team of investigators would arrive in Louisville by Wednesday morning to begin collecting evidence from the wreckage.

As night fell, the fire appeared largely contained, but officials said the situation remained “fluid and dangerous.” The fate of the crew members had not yet been confirmed, and authorities urged patience as rescue and recovery efforts continued through the evening.

Liverpool dominate Real Madrid in resounding Champions League victory at Anfield

Simeon Bateren
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Liverpool dominate Real Madrid in resounding Champions League victory at Anfield

LIVERPOOL, (BN24) — Liverpool rediscovered their finest form at Anfield on Tuesday night, overpowering Real Madrid with a commanding 1–0 victory in the Champions League that reasserted their European credentials and reignited belief among their supporters.

Manager Arne Slot’s Premier League champions carried the momentum from their weekend win over Aston Villa into a performance brimming with energy, aggression, and purpose. The scoreline told only part of the story: Liverpool dominated from start to finish, suffocating Real Madrid’s attacking stars and creating a host of chances that demanded the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois to prevent a rout.

Alexis Mac Allister, whose resurgence in recent weeks has coincided with Liverpool’s revival, broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, heading home from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pinpoint free-kick to give the hosts the goal their superiority richly deserved.

The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, as Liverpool supporters sensed a return to the intensity that has long defined their club’s European nights. Slot’s men, once burdened by six defeats in seven games, looked rejuvenated their pressing sharp, their passing crisp, and their confidence restored.

Real Madrid, despite boasting Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior, found themselves second best in every department. Bellingham, facing scrutiny after being left out of England’s most recent squad, struggled to influence the game and was restricted to a single first-half effort that Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili smothered with his feet.

Courtois, however, was the only reason Real Madrid avoided humiliation. The Belgian goalkeeper produced a string of world-class saves four from Szoboszlai alone, and an outstanding reflex stop from Virgil van Dijk’s header that drew applause even from the home crowd. Yet, when Mac Allister finally nodded in Liverpool’s breakthrough, Courtois could do nothing but watch.

Slot’s tactical discipline was matched by individual brilliance across the pitch. Conor Bradley, the 22-year-old Northern Ireland defender hailed as the natural heir to Trent Alexander-Arnold, delivered a mature, relentless performance that encapsulated Liverpool’s new spirit. His duel with Vinícius Jr was one of the night’s defining battles, with the Anfield crowd chanting Bradley’s name as he repeatedly snuffed out Real’s danger down the right flank.

Alexander-Arnold, now a Real Madrid player, returned to Anfield for the first time since his controversial summer transfer. When he came on as a late substitute, he was greeted by a wall of boos from the fans who once adored him. His cameo was quiet, and he failed to make an impact against the club that shaped his career.

Szoboszlai was exceptional in midfield, orchestrating Liverpool’s attacks with precision and flair, while Mac Allister’s influence continues to grow after a difficult start to the season. The Argentine’s late resurgence has been pivotal in transforming Liverpool’s fortunes, and his goal on this occasion may prove decisive in their push for qualification.

Defensively, Liverpool were flawless. Van Dijk marshalled the back line with authority, while Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson offered solidity and composure. Real Madrid, despite their star-studded lineup, barely managed a meaningful shot on target in the closing stages.

For Real coach Xabi Alonso, a beloved former Liverpool midfielder, it was a night tinged with frustration. Returning to the ground where he once lifted the Champions League trophy, Alonso could only watch as his team struggled to match Liverpool’s pace and hunger.

The victory lifted Liverpool into sixth place in Group A, a position that could secure automatic progression to the knockout stage without a playoff. More significantly, it reaffirmed their status as serious contenders once again after a month of doubt and disarray.

As the final whistle blew, chants of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” reverberated around Anfield, echoing the feeling that Liverpool, under Slot’s guidance, is beginning to look like itself again, a team defined by belief, unity, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

UCL: Luis Diaz brace and red card as Bayern Munich hold off PSG 2-1

Simeon Bateren
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UCL: Luis Diaz brace and red card as Bayern Munich hold off PSG 2-1

PARIS (BN24) — Luis Diaz scored twice but was sent off as Bayern Munich preserved their perfect start to the season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League showdown at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. The match, a repeat of the 2020 final in Lisbon, was overshadowed by a first-half injury to PSG star Achraf Hakimi.

The Colombian winger opened the scoring in the fourth minute after Michael Olise’s initial shot was blocked by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, with Diaz pouncing on the rebound to fire Bayern into an early lead. He doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on hesitant defending from Marquinhos to slot home.

However, Diaz’s heroics turned sour just before halftime. In a reckless challenge on Hakimi, Diaz brought down the Moroccan fullback, leaving him in tears with an awkwardly twisted left ankle. After initially receiving a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a red following a VAR review, forcing Bayern to play the entire second half with ten men.

Despite the setback, Bayern’s defense remained resolute. PSG struggled to capitalize on the extra man, with Harry Kane unable to add to his 25 goals for club and country this season. Joao Neves pulled one back for the Parisians in the 74th minute after a deflected cross from Lee Kang-in, but Bayern held on to claim all three points.

The game was further disrupted by fitness concerns for PSG. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, making only his second start in two months after a hamstring injury, was substituted in the first half, leaving the Parisians without one of their attacking threats. Last season’s Champions League winners have also been hampered by the absence of key players such as Desire Doue, who shone in their final victory over Inter Milan.

Bayern’s triumph maintains their flawless record this season, extending their winning streak to 16 games across all competitions. They have scored 56 goals and are among just two clubs in Europe’s elite competitions, alongside Arsenal, to reach 12 points from four Champions League matches.

PSG, meanwhile, will hope that Hakimi’s injury is not severe, with the Moroccan expected to lead his country in the Africa Cup of Nations next month. The loss of both Hakimi and Dembele significantly blunted PSG’s attacking options in a contest that promised, and delivered, high drama.

The result reinforces Bayern’s credentials as title contenders and underscores the depth and resilience of Vincent Kompany’s squad. For PSG, the focus now shifts to recovery and squad management as they navigate the rest of the group stage while remaining in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds.

Désiré Doué wins 2025 Golden Boy Award after stellar PSG season

Simeon Bateren
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Désiré Doué wins 2025 Golden Boy Award after stellar PSG season

PARIS (BN24) — French forward Désiré Doué has been named the 2025 Golden Boy, capping a breakthrough season with Paris Saint-Germain and joining an elite lineage of French talent recognized on the European stage.

The accolade, awarded by Italian sports daily Tuttosport, honors the best footballer aged 21 or under playing in a European top-flight league. Doué, currently sidelined with a thigh injury, emerged ahead of contenders including Dean Huijsen, Pau Cubarsí, Arda Güler, and Franco Mastantuono.

Doué follows in the footsteps of French predecessors Paul Pogba (2013), Anthony Martial (2015), and Kylian Mbappé (2017), becoming only the fourth player from France to claim the prestigious award.

The 20-year-old Rennes academy graduate joined PSG last summer in a €50 million transfer and quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in Luis Enrique’s squad. Despite a season hampered by injuries, Doué has accumulated four caps for France and has impressed with his creativity, work rate, and tactical intelligence in midfield.

His meteoric rise has been recognized beyond the Golden Boy trophy. Doué finished 14th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and was runner-up for the Kopa Trophy, signaling his growing global stature. Last year’s Golden Boy, Lamine Yamal, was ineligible to retain the award due to Tuttosport’s one-win rule, clearing the way for Doué to claim the honor.

The Golden Boy shortlist is determined using the Football Benchmark Index, a data-driven ranking of the world’s top U21 players that evolves throughout the season, highlighting Doué’s consistent impact on the field.

PSG fans and football enthusiasts alike now watch eagerly as Doué aims to continue his ascent, combining his talent with the experience of Europe’s top competition, potentially cementing his place among football’s brightest young stars.

 Russian and Ukrainian troops battle amid the ruins of Pokrovsk as brutal urban fighting intensifies

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 Russian and Ukrainian troops battle amid the ruins of Pokrovsk as brutal urban fighting intensifies

Fierce battles erupted on Tuesday between Russian and Ukrainian forces amid the shattered remains of Pokrovsk, a once-thriving transport hub in eastern Ukraine that has been reduced to rubble after months of unrelenting attacks. The embattled city, vital for Kyiv’s frontline logistics, has become the latest flashpoint in a war that has dragged into its fourth year with no sign of peace.

Ukraine’s military confirmed that intense street fighting was ongoing in several parts of Pokrovsk, where Russian forces have been advancing for over a year. Reinforcements, including special operations units, have been deployed as Kyiv races to defend the city’s remaining strongholds. The military said additional weapons and armored vehicles are being sent to stabilize the front.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops had cleared 35 buildings of Ukrainian resistance in Pokrovsk, declaring advances deeper into the city. Moscow also reported gains near Kupiansk, 100 miles north in the Kharkiv region, where it said Ukrainian units were surrounded. Kyiv, however, denied any encirclement, insisting its troops are maintaining control of critical defensive positions.

Independent verification of either side’s claims remains impossible due to the ongoing fighting.

Pokrovsk, once home to about 60,000 residents, has been pounded into ruins. The city’s capture would mark a symbolic and strategic victory for Russia, giving its forces a platform to push toward Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the two largest Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk — key targets in Moscow’s effort to seize the entire Donbas region.

According to DeepState, a Ukrainian mapping project using verified open-source data, Russian troops have made incremental gains within Pokrovsk but have not achieved full control. Most of the city remains marked in gray on its maps — an indication that the front line remains fiercely contested.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged that Pokrovsk is under “severe pressure” but insisted that “no district is fully under Russian control.” On Tuesday, he visited Ukrainian troops near Dobropillia, expressing gratitude for their defense and calling the situation “one of the most critical in eastern Ukraine.”

Prominent Russian military blogger Rybar wrote that Moscow’s control of Pokrovsk is “gradually expanding,” but a complete capture remains “distant.” Despite Russia’s claims of progress, the battle for the city has exposed the limits of Moscow’s ground offensive — characterized by heavy casualties and modest territorial gains.

The brutal confrontation in Pokrovsk highlights the war’s grinding stalemate, with both armies locked in destructive urban warfare that has leveled cities and claimed thousands of lives. With peace talks frozen and the frontlines barely shifting, Pokrovsk has become a symbol of the relentless human and material cost of the war.

Reuters

 Pope Leo declares Jesus alone redeemed humanity, tells Catholics to stop calling Mary ‘Co-Redeemer’

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 Pope Leo declares Jesus alone redeemed humanity, tells Catholics to stop calling Mary ‘Co-Redeemer’

Vatican (BN24) – The Vatican has issued a new doctrinal decree affirming that Jesus Christ alone redeemed humanity, declaring that the Virgin Mary did not share in the act of salvation. The statement, approved by Pope Leo XIV, instructs the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to refrain from calling Mary the “co-redeemer,” a title the Church says causes confusion about the core truths of the Christian faith.

The decree, published by the Vatican’s top doctrinal office, concludes a long-running theological debate that has divided scholars and popes for decades. “It would not be appropriate to use the title ‘co-redemptrix,’” the document stated, adding that it “can create confusion and imbalance in the harmony of Christian truth.”

Catholic teaching holds that Jesus redeemed humanity through his crucifixion and resurrection. However, some theologians have long argued that Mary, through her obedience and suffering as the Mother of God, played a unique, though secondary, role in salvation history.

The Vatican’s new declaration settles that question definitively. “Jesus alone saved the world,” it affirmed, emphasizing that Mary’s participation was one of faith and service, not redemption itself.

The debate over Mary’s title has spanned generations of Church leadership. Pope Francis, who died earlier this year, had openly rejected the idea, once calling it “foolishness.” In 2019, Francis said Mary “never wanted to take anything for herself from her son.” His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, also opposed the title, while Pope John Paul II briefly supported its use before withdrawing it from official discourse in the mid-1990s.

The new decree nonetheless recognized Mary’s exceptional place in the divine plan, describing her as an “intermediary between God and humanity.” By accepting God’s will and giving birth to Jesus, “she opened the gates of the Redemption that all humanity had awaited,” the Vatican said.

According to Scripture, when the angel Gabriel told Mary she would bear the Son of God, she humbly responded, “Let it be.” That act of faith, the Church noted, was her true contribution to humanity’s redemption story — one of obedience, not equality with Christ.

The doctrinal announcement came less than two weeks after King Charles III made historic headlines as the first British monarch in 500 years to pray publicly with a pope. The King and Queen Camilla met Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace on October 23, where the pontiff invited the Anglican sovereign to join him in prayer inside the Sistine Chapel.

The moment marked a symbolic thaw in relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, which had been divided since the Reformation. The ceremony included an honor guard by the Swiss Guard, the playing of national anthems, and a private exchange of gifts — including a silver photograph from the King and a scale mosaic of Christ Pantocrator from the Pope.

Charles also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who attended his coronation in 2023 — the first papal representative to do so in nearly half a millennium.

The royal visit came 40 years after the late Queen Elizabeth II had prohibited then-Prince Charles from participating in a papal Mass during his 1985 visit with Princess Diana. Now as monarch, Charles — a longtime advocate of interfaith harmony — has realized his wish to pray alongside a pope, in a gesture widely seen as a new era of unity between the two churches.

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