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Indonesian President Prabowo caught on hot mic asking President Donald Trump for meeting with Eric Trump – Reuters

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was overheard on a live microphone asking President Donald Trump if he could meet with Trump’s son, Eric Trump, in a private exchange following a Gaza-focused summit in Egypt on Monday.

The conversation took place shortly after President Trump delivered remarks to world leaders gathered in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss the recently announced Gaza ceasefire agreement. Prabowo and Trump appeared unaware that microphones near the podium were still live as they spoke.
Video and audio of the exchange show Prabowo referring to a region that is “not safe, security-wise” before asking Trump: “Can I meet Eric?” Trump responds, “I’ll have Eric call. Should I do that? He’s such a good boy. I’ll have Eric call.”
Prabowo then mentions the name “Hary” and says, “We’ll look for a better place,” to which Trump repeats, “I’ll have Eric call you.” Prabowo adds, “Eric or Don Jr.”
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. both serve as executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, which operates a range of real estate, hospitality and blockchain ventures worldwide.
The reference to “Hary” is believed to refer to Hary Tanoesoedibjo, the founder and executive chairman of Indonesia’s MNC conglomerate. Hary is a long-time partner of the Trump Organization and attended Trump’s presidential inauguration earlier this year.
MNC Land, a subsidiary of MNC Group, operates an integrated resort project in partnership with the Trump Organization roughly 60 kilometers south of Jakarta. The development has faced regulatory challenges, with Indonesia’s environment ministry ordering a halt to the project in February due to water management and environmental concerns.
Additionally, the Trump Organization and MNC Land are collaborating on a luxury resort and golf club project in Tabanan, Bali, listed as “coming soon” on the Trump Organization’s website. Both Indonesian ventures have experienced significant delays.
The hot mic moment underscores the overlapping political and business networks linking Trump and Prabowo at a sensitive time, as both leaders navigate diplomatic discussions and high-profile commercial interests.

High-speed train collision in eastern Slovakia leaves dozens injured

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ROŽŇAVA, Slovakia (BN24) — A catastrophic high-speed train collision near the eastern Slovak town of Rožňava on October 13 has left dozens injured, including three in critical condition. The crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), when two trains traveling at high speed collided in what officials are calling an extraordinary and tragic accident.

The two trains were part of Slovakia’s national rail network, operated by Slovak Railways, and both were carrying a combined total of around 80 passengers at the time of the incident. The crash occurred along a busy stretch of track near Rožňava, a town located in the eastern part of the country, where the aftermath of the collision left one of the trains severely damaged. The front of one of the trains was crumpled, while the other train derailed entirely, with its carriages scattered along the track.

Initial assessments from Slovak police and emergency services suggest that at least three people sustained life-threatening injuries, including two passengers whose condition is described as critical. The other injuries, while numerous, were reported as being less severe. The Slovak Emergency Medical Service (EZMS) confirmed that multiple ambulance crews were dispatched immediately after the crash, with emergency personnel working to tend to the injured and evacuate passengers from the wreckage.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the focus is on understanding how the two high-speed trains came into direct contact with each other. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, speaking at the scene, indicated that human error could have played a key role in the incident. “One of the train operators likely failed to yield to the other train,” Šutaj Eštok stated. “While we are not ruling out other potential factors, we believe human error may have been involved.”

The damage to the trains was extensive. Photographs taken from the scene show the front of one train crushed, while the other had completely derailed off the tracks. The trains had been traveling at speeds typical for high-speed rail systems, which only compounded the severity of the collision. Rescue teams from surrounding regions, including firefighters, police, and paramedics, were dispatched to assist in evacuating the passengers, some of whom were still trapped inside the wrecked cars.

A spokesman for the Slovak Emergency Medical Service noted that “all components of the Integrated Rescue System” had been activated to respond to the scene. “The priority right now is to evacuate passengers from the trains safely. The extent of injuries is still being assessed, but we are working as quickly as possible to secure the area and provide aid,” the spokesperson said. “Our teams are coordinating efforts with the police to ensure that the scene remains secure and to allow for a thorough investigation.”

Interior Minister Šutaj Eštok also confirmed that, although the investigation is still in its early stages, investigators are focusing on the possibility of a procedural error or miscommunication between the two train operators. “This is an extraordinary traffic accident, one that will require a full investigation,” he said. “At the moment, we believe that human error may have led to the two trains being in the same place at the same time, causing the tragic collision.”

The search for any other passengers or potential crew members who may still be trapped in the wreckage is ongoing. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to ensure that all individuals are accounted for and evacuated from the crash site. Authorities have not released the full list of passengers or their identities, and it remains unclear whether any additional individuals are still unaccounted for.

Several fire stations and rescue teams have been working in close coordination, and Slovak police are assisting in managing the chaotic scene. The emergency response is being coordinated to ensure the safety of all those at the scene, with ongoing efforts to stabilize the area for investigators.

“The cause of the collision is still under investigation,” the spokesperson for the Slovak Emergency Medical Service emphasized. “At this time, our priority remains to rescue and evacuate those affected. Once that is complete, we will continue gathering information on what led to this tragic event.”

The Slovak government has pledged full support for those affected by the accident and has promised a thorough inquiry into the events surrounding the crash. It is expected that authorities will release more information in the coming hours as both the rescue and investigative efforts continue.

This incident has cast a shadow over Slovakia’s rail system, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place for high-speed trains. Local authorities have assured the public that every effort will be made to determine the exact cause of the collision, with a focus on ensuring such an accident never occurs again.

The crash remains under investigation, and officials have committed to providing additional updates as the situation unfolds.

Ancelotti eyes World Cup glory with Brazil despite historical hurdle

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TOKYO (BN24) — Carlo Ancelotti is no stranger to rewriting history, and now the Italian tactician is aiming to do it again, this time with Brazil on the world’s biggest football stage.

Ancelotti, who became Brazil’s first foreign-born coach in more than 60 years when he took charge in May, is seeking to lead the five-time world champions to an unprecedented triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. No team has ever won the tournament under a non-native coach, but Ancelotti insists there is room in the record books for a new chapter.

“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said Monday ahead of Brazil’s friendly match against Japan in Tokyo. “Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time in life.”

The Selecão, still regarded as the spiritual home of the sport, had a turbulent road to World Cup qualification, finishing fifth in the South American standings. Yet Ancelotti has already sparked optimism, especially after Brazil’s emphatic 5-0 victory over South Korea in Seoul last week, a performance hailed by fans as a return to “jogo bonito,” the beautiful game that once defined Brazilian football.

That match saw 18-year-old rising star Estevão score twice, with Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo also finding the net. The result has reignited belief in a squad that had struggled to find stability since Tite’s resignation following the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal loss to Croatia. Ancelotti is the fourth coach to take the helm in the span of just over two years.

Despite the attacking flair on display, Ancelotti said his vision for Brazil is rooted in more than just aesthetics.

“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football,” he said. “It’s not just about individual brilliance; it’s also about teamwork, movement off the ball, and tactical awareness. That’s very important in football.”

Brazil continues its Asian tour without Neymar, the national team’s all-time top scorer, who remains sidelined until at least November due to a thigh injury. With the World Cup less than a year away, questions linger over whether the 33-year-old forward will return to full fitness in time to rejoin the squad.

Ancelotti, however, offered no doubt about Neymar’s potential role if healthy.

“If Neymar is in good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team,” he said. “If Neymar is fit, then he can play in any team in the world.”

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the first edition of the expanded 48-team tournament. For Brazil and for Ancelotti, it represents both an opportunity for redemption and a chance to etch their names into history once again.

For now, Ancelotti remains focused on laying the groundwork and challenging the precedent that no foreign-born coach has ever lifted the World Cup trophy.

UPDATED: 2 dead in plane crash and fireball after Beechcraft King Air C90 crashes into trucks on Texas motorway

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FORT WORTH, Texas (BN24)— Two people tragically lost their lives when a small aircraft erupted in a fireball after crashing into several lorries beside a motorway in Fort Worth on Sunday, October 12. The Beechcraft King Air C90, which was reportedly not based at Hicks Airfield, collided with multiple vehicles on the highway near the airfield, igniting a massive blaze.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 1:30 p.m. local time, where they found a large plume of smoke rising into the sky. Footage shared across social media platforms captured the fiery aftermath of the crash, which left motorists in shock. The incident occurred near a commercial estate that includes both small businesses and residential areas, prompting swift action from local emergency teams.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities have already begun to speculate on the circumstances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the incident. Robbie Hoy, a public information officer for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the FAA would be leading the probe into what caused the tragic crash.

Initial reports have identified the victims as Michael Daly, owner of Mobile EHR, a health records software company, and his father, John Daly. Michael Daly, who leaves behind a wife and four children, was traveling aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Lois Kinman, a spokesperson for Hicks Airfield, told local news outlets that the plane was not based at the airfield. While the investigation continues, a report from the Mirror US noted that the plane may have been en route to another location.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing scene. Lauren Anderson, a cashier at a nearby animal feed shop, told The New York Times that she saw “a giant black cloud of smoke” stretching across the sky, which appeared to cover at least 100 feet. She also recalled a tense 20 to 30 minutes during which emergency vehicles continuously passed by her location as they raced toward the crash site.

As first responders blocked off roads around the crash zone, officials began to piece together the scale of the devastation. Photos from the scene show emergency vehicles forming a barricade along the highway as crews worked to control the fire and search for any additional victims.

Although the precise number of passengers aboard the aircraft remains unclear, investigators are focusing on the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash. This incident marks a tragic reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of rigorous safety measures.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation while they work to determine what led to the catastrophic crash.

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Ghana police arrest 10 for creating fake online food delivery platforms

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ACCRA, Ghana (BN24) — Ghanaian authorities have arrested ten individuals accused of orchestrating a sophisticated online scam that targeted food delivery customers by impersonating popular brands, the Ghana Police Service announced Monday.

The suspects, including three women and seven men, were apprehended in separate operations carried out by the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). They are accused of creating fake websites and social media profiles that mimicked legitimate food delivery services such as KFC, Pizzaman, Papaye, and Mawarko.

The initial arrests took place on October 1 in Sogakope, where six suspects identified as Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah were detained following weeks of intelligence-led investigations. Police said the individuals lured victims into placing food orders through fraudulent digital platforms and demanded advance payments via mobile money.

After receiving payments, victims were left without their food, and in some cases, the scam escalated. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly gained unauthorized access to victims’ mobile money wallets and bank accounts under the pretext of helping them complete transactions and then withdrew funds without consent.

A second wave of arrests was conducted on October 12 at a hideout in Haatso, a suburb of Accra. Police detained the alleged ringleader, Elijah Sotama Etse, who goes by the alias “Pop Smoke,” along with Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli.

Twelve mobile phones believed to have been used in the scam were seized and are currently undergoing forensic analysis. Authorities have also retrieved various digital devices as part of the ongoing investigation.

All ten suspects remain in police custody and are scheduled to appear before the court today, Monday, October 13, 2025.

The Ghana Police Service is urging members of the public who may have been affected by the fraudulent scheme to come forward and file complaints at the nearest police station to support the investigation.

The arrests mark a significant development in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, particularly schemes exploiting the country’s growing online commerce sector.

Rapper Armani White arrested in Kentucky after allegedly filming music video on interstate 75

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LONDON, Ky. (BN24) — Rapper Armani White, whose 2022 single “Billie Eilish” brought him national attention, was arrested Sunday evening in southeastern Kentucky after police say he caused a traffic hazard by filming a music video in the center of Interstate 75.

White, 28, born Enoch Tolbert and signed to Def Jam Recordings, was taken into custody by officers from the London Police Department in Laurel County after reports surfaced that a man was standing on a concrete median dividing northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate.

Police said multiple motorists dialed 911 around 7 p.m. local time after spotting a group gathered in the middle of the highway. Witnesses told dispatchers they saw an individual, later identified as White, dancing on the divider as cameras recorded him. Some vehicles reportedly slowed down or swerved to avoid the group, raising concerns over public safety.

When officers arrived, they observed the ongoing shoot and detained White at the scene. He was charged with second-degree disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, and cited for stopping, standing, or parking on a limited-access highway. These violations could carry fines or additional penalties depending on the outcome of the case.

White was transported to the Laurel County Correctional Center for booking. A mugshot released by authorities showed him without his signature braided bead hairstyle, which police said was removed during intake in accordance with facility procedures.

The rapper was released later that night. As of Monday, no court date had been made public, and White’s legal team has not issued a formal statement.

The Philadelphia native rose to prominence with the viral success of “Billie Eilish,” a genre-bending hit that earned multi-platinum certification and propelled him into mainstream music charts. Since then, he has collaborated with several high-profile artists and maintained a strong social media presence. He is currently on tour with Grammy-winning artist T-Pain and has recently teased new visual content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, it remains unclear if the footage filmed on I-75 was part of an official release.

Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges will be filed against other individuals involved in the shoot. The incident remains under investigation.

Police emphasized that filming on a major interstate without authorization creates serious hazards and could have led to more severe consequences. No injuries were reported.

White’s arrest marks an unexpected disruption in what had otherwise been a productive year for the artist, who has positioned himself as one of hip-hop’s rising voices.

Credit: TMZ

Rashford suggests Man United’s ‘inconsistent environment’ hindered his career progress

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LONDON (BN24) — England forward Marcus Rashford has attributed a decline in his performance levels in recent seasons to what he described as an “inconsistent environment” at Manchester United, suggesting the club’s instability made it difficult for him to maintain top form.

The 27-year-old, currently on a season-long loan at FC Barcelona, has enjoyed a resurgence in Spain, scoring three goals and providing five assists in his first 10 appearances for the Catalan giants. His form has earned praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who included Rashford in his latest squad ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA qualifier against Latvia.

Speaking to ITV ahead of the match, Rashford responded to Tuchel’s assessment that consistency could be the key to unlocking his full potential.

“For sure, consistency is a massive part of it,” Rashford said. “I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent. I completely agree that consistency is what I need to bring into my game.”

Rashford, who made his senior debut under Louis van Gaal in 2016, has played under a carousel of managers at Old Trafford, including four permanent and three interim bosses, contributing to what he described as fluctuating expectations and instability in his development.

“When people talk about consistency, to be consistent in anything, not just sport, you need consistent variables in your life and the way you train,” Rashford said. “We’ve just had so many changes throughout my career.”

Rashford’s most productive period came under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and later Erik ten Hag. During the 2022–23 campaign, he scored a career-best 30 goals across all competitions and earned a lucrative £300,000-a-week contract. However, his form nosedived in the following season, producing just eight goals and five assists amid internal tensions and off-field issues.

Ten Hag dropped him for missing training after an incident in Belfast and later faced similar discipline under Ruben Amorim, who took over in early 2024. Amorim publicly criticized Rashford’s professionalism, suggesting the player needed to “change” and adhere to the standards expected at the club. Rashford was subsequently frozen out of the squad before being loaned out, first to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024–25 season and then to Barcelona.

At Villa, he registered four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, showing signs of returning to form. But it is in Barcelona where he has truly begun to reestablish himself. Despite a minor disciplinary issue last month being dropped by Hansi Flick for lateness, Rashford remains a key part of the Spanish side’s attack.

Barcelona officials, including sporting director Deco, have spoken positively about Rashford’s impact and echoed his sentiment regarding United’s unstable environment.

“He exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United,” Deco said. “But he also had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches, and perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot from him. But we’re happy with him, that’s the most important thing.”

While the loan agreement includes an option for Barcelona to make the move permanent, Deco emphasized that no final decision has been made.

“It’s too early to talk about next season. What matters is that we’re happy with him,” he said. “There’s a contract between the clubs, but it has to be discussed.”

For now, Rashford remains focused on the international stage and is intent on securing a place in Tuchel’s final England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said that consistency, both in form and environment, will be crucial as he looks to move past a turbulent chapter in his career.

“When I am at my best, I really enjoy everything about the sport,” Rashford added. “That’s what I’m trying to return to being at my best as often as possible.”

World’s fastest woman defeats 100 college men in MrBeast’s $100K sprint challenge

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RALEIGH, N.C. (BN24) — Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the reigning queen of women’s sprinting, took on an unconventional challenge off the professional track: outrun 100 male college students for a $100,000 prize.

The 24-year-old American sprinter, fresh off a historic triple-gold performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, was the featured guest in a viral YouTube video produced by internet personality MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson.

The challenge, filmed at a North Carolina football complex, pitted Jefferson-Wooden against 100 male college students in a race across the width of two football fields. The rules were simple: anyone who could beat the Olympic hopeful to the finish line would walk away $100,000 richer.

None did.

Wearing football cleats and surrounded by a crowd of young men vying for a shot at the prize, Jefferson-Wooden surged ahead from the start and never relinquished her lead. One participant sporting the number 35 came close in the final stretch but failed to overcome the gap the five-time world champion built in the early meters.

The 27-minute video, uploaded to MrBeast’s channel, amassed over 50 million views in its first two days, further elevating Jefferson-Wooden’s rising profile in both sports and pop culture.

Jefferson-Wooden’s dominance in the race comes just weeks after she stunned the track and field world in Tokyo. There, she won gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay, clocking a personal best of 10.61 seconds in the 100m final — making her the fourth-fastest woman in history over that distance.

“This year has been nothing short of a dream,” Jefferson-Wooden said after the championships. “I just focused on my execution, so to put together the perfect race at the right time just means so much to me.”

After an injury-marred 2024 season, Jefferson-Wooden has re-emerged in 2025 as a dominant force on the global stage. Despite skipping the lucrative ATHLOS meet in New York last week, where she was expected to compete for a $120,000 bonus, her schedule has remained full — including appearances on talk shows like The Jennifer Hudson Show and now viral YouTube platforms.

“After a lot of thought and consideration, my team and I have decided I won’t be competing at the ATHLOS Meet on October 10th,” she announced on social media. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one.”

Her decision has done little to slow her momentum. In interviews with CNN and other outlets following her world championship victories, Jefferson-Wooden expressed satisfaction with her accomplishments but emphasized that her ambitions stretch far beyond her current medal count.

“There are so many things I’ve achieved this year, but there are so many more I want to accomplish,” she said. “I left the World Championships very happy, but I’m not satisfied. That gets me excited for what’s next.”

The MrBeast challenge, while unconventional, highlighted what track fans and analysts already know: Jefferson-Wooden is not just the fastest woman alive, she’s one of the sport’s most exciting personalities, capable of bridging the gap between elite athletics and mainstream entertainment.

Whether she returns to the track before the end of the year or continues to engage broader audiences, one thing is clear: she’s not slowing down.

Ronaldo breaks unwanted record with 34 penalty misses

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LISBON, Portugal (BN24) — Cristiano Ronaldo, the prolific goal-scorer who has shattered countless records across his storied career, now holds a far less celebrated distinction: the most missed penalties in football history.

Ronaldo missed from the spot again during Portugal’s friendly match against Ireland on Saturday, as Brentford and Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denied the Al Nassr forward with a decisive save. The failed attempt brought Ronaldo’s tally of missed penalties to 34, surpassing all other players in the modern game, according to a report by Planet Football released Monday.

Despite the headline-grabbing figure, the context reveals a more nuanced story. Ronaldo has taken more penalties than any player on record, 211 in total, and converted 177 of them, giving him a success rate of 83.8%. That conversion percentage remains comfortably above the average for elite-level footballers.

Still, the raw number of missed spot-kicks has placed him at the top of an unenviable list, edging out longtime rival Lionel Messi, who has missed 32 penalties in his career. Messi, with a lower overall success rate of 77.9%, had previously held the record for most penalty misses before being overtaken.

Other notable names on the list include Brazilian star Neymar with 22 misses, Roma legend Francesco Totti with 20, and Italian striker Ciro Immobile with 19. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho round out the top seven with 17 and 16 missed penalties, respectively.

Ronaldo’s recent form from the spot has contributed to the milestone. He has failed to convert four of his last 16 penalties over the past year, a drop-off in efficiency that may raise questions ahead of Portugal’s upcoming competitive fixtures. However, given his unmatched number of goals from 12 yards, Ronaldo remains among the most reliable penalty takers the game has seen.

At 38 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy expectations with his longevity and goal-scoring prowess. Still, this latest record adds a complex footnote to his legacy, one that reflects both his longevity and the sheer volume of opportunities he’s had from the spot.

As Portugal prepares for its next international challenges, Ronaldo’s place in football history is secure now for both the goals he has scored and the rare few he hasn’t.

Vatican appoints judges for trial of former Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik accused of abusing more than 20 women

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The Vatican has appointed a panel of judges to oversee the canonical trial of former Jesuit priest and internationally renowned artist Marko Ivan Rupnik, who has been accused by more than 20 women of sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse over several decades. The decision marks a significant and rare step by the Holy See as it prepares to address one of the most controversial abuse cases of Pope Francis’ papacy.

The Holy See’s office responsible for investigating clergy abuse cases, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said Monday that five judges — including women and priests from outside the Vatican bureaucracy — were named to adjudicate the case. Officials described the composition as intended “to better guarantee, as in any judicial process, the autonomy and independence of the aforementioned court,” an acknowledgment of long-standing criticism that the Vatican had failed to act independently in earlier stages of the Rupnik case.

High-Profile Case Tied to Church Leadership

Rupnik, a Slovenian-born artist, is celebrated for his mosaics that adorn major Catholic sites, including Lourdes in France, a basilica in Aparecida, Brazil, parts of the Vatican, and the chapel of Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian religious order in Rome. His artwork has been praised for its beauty and spiritual symbolism, but allegations against him have cast a long shadow over his legacy and raised questions about Vatican accountability.

The scandal erupted publicly in late 2022 when Italian blogs published testimonies from nuns and other women who accused Rupnik of sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse. Many incidents allegedly occurred during the production of his religious art. His Jesuit order later confirmed he had been briefly excommunicated in 2020 for committing one of the Catholic Church’s gravest offenses: using the confessional to absolve a woman with whom he had sexual relations. Despite this, Rupnik continued to work and preach.

As more women came forward — some reporting abuse dating back to the 1990s — pressure mounted on church leadership. Many of the women were part of a Jesuit-inspired community in Slovenia co-founded by Rupnik, which has since been dissolved. Initially, the Vatican declined to prosecute, citing expired statutes of limitations, a decision that critics said exposed systemic weaknesses in how the Church handles sexual misconduct involving adult women.

Statute Waived, Trial Set to Begin

Under mounting scrutiny, Pope Francis eventually lifted the statute of limitations in 2023, allowing the canonical trial to proceed. On Oct. 9, the Vatican confirmed that the judges had been formally appointed, signaling the imminent start of the trial under the Church’s internal legal system. Rupnik has not been charged in a civil court and has not publicly responded to the accusations, nor did he cooperate with Jesuit investigators.

Unlike secular criminal trials, canonical proceedings do not provide victims with party status. Victims can only appear as witnesses and are not entitled to participate in proceedings or review case documentation. The harshest possible sanctions are ecclesiastical penalties, including restrictions on public ministry or removal from the priesthood.

Attorney Laura Sgro, representing five of Rupnik’s accusers, welcomed the Vatican’s move, noting that her clients had requested recognition as injured parties 18 months ago. “They have been waiting for justice for too many years,” she said, adding that a verdict would not only bring personal closure but also serve the Church itself.

The case exposes deep legal gaps in the Vatican’s treatment of sexual abuse involving adult women. While canonical law has been strengthened to address abuse of minors, it has rarely been applied to cases involving adult victims, with Church officials often characterizing such relationships as consensual. However, many of Rupnik’s accusers allege spiritual coercion and psychological manipulation, arguing that the power imbalance rendered meaningful consent impossible.

This dynamic mirrors broader #MeToo-era revelations within Catholic institutions, where women reported being targeted by charismatic religious leaders who used spiritual authority to exploit them. Although Pope Leo has expressed concern about ensuring due process for accused priests, he has also called for a stronger culture of prevention. In a letter earlier this year to a Peruvian journalist who exposed abuses by a religious group, Leo urged the Church not to tolerate any form of abuse “whether of power or authority, conscience or spiritual, or sexual.”

The Vatican has not disclosed the specific charges Rupnik will face under canon law or the expected timeline for the trial. Still, the appointment of judges indicates that one of the Church’s most closely watched abuse cases is moving forward after years of delay and public outcry.

Credit: AP