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Trump to announce Space Command move from Colorado to Alabama

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Trump to announce Space Command move from Colorado to Alabama

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump will announce Tuesday that U.S. Space Command headquarters will relocate from Colorado to Alabama, overturning a Biden-era decision that kept the command at its temporary base in Colorado Springs, according to two people familiar with the plans.

Trump is scheduled to speak in the afternoon, and the Pentagon has set up a livestream of the event titled “U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as “an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense,” but did not confirm the location in advance.

The decision comes after years of political and military debate over where the command should be permanently located. Both Alabama and Colorado aggressively lobbied to secure the headquarters, citing economic benefits and national security implications.

Huntsville, Alabama, widely known as “Rocket City,” has deep ties to the U.S. space program. It hosts the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, making it a strong candidate when the Air Force evaluated six sites in 2021. Huntsville was initially named the preferred site after considering infrastructure, cost, and community support.

However, in 2023, President Joe Biden announced that the command would remain permanently in Colorado Springs, citing concerns that relocating would disrupt military readiness. A subsequent review by the Defense Department’s inspector general was inconclusive and could not determine why Colorado was favored over Alabama.

Trump’s reversal ends a four-year back-and-forth over the location of Space Command, which oversees critical operations including satellite-based navigation, troop communications, and missile launch detection.

The decision also carries political weight. Trump has strong support in Alabama, where officials have long argued that Huntsville’s established aerospace and defense industry makes it the most logical home for the command.

The announcement is expected to set in motion preparations for moving personnel and operations from Colorado to Alabama, marking a major shift for the U.S. military’s newest combatant command.

AP

Afghan earthquake death toll surpasses 1,400 as rescue efforts face obstacles

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Afghan earthquake death toll surpasses 1,400 as rescue efforts face obstacles

KABUL, Afghanistan (BN24) — The death toll from Afghanistan’s most devastating earthquake in years has risen to more than 1,400, with thousands more injured, as rescue teams struggle to reach remote villages in the country’s mountainous eastern region, authorities said Tuesday.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that at least 1,411 people were killed, more than 3,100 injured, and over 5,400 homes destroyed after the 6.0-magnitude quake struck shortly after midnight on Monday. Officials and aid groups warned the toll is likely to climb as more victims are recovered from beneath the rubble.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society and U.N. officials said many people remain trapped in collapsed mud-and-brick houses, particularly in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where the quake caused the most destruction. The Hindu Kush mountain region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge, has long been vulnerable to deadly tremors.

Rescue teams were deployed to four badly damaged villages in Kunar on Monday, with operations expanding Tuesday to harder-to-reach communities along the Pakistani border. “We cannot accurately predict how many bodies might still be trapped under the rubble,” said Ehsanullah Ehsan, head of Kunar’s disaster management office. “Our effort is to complete these operations as soon as possible and to begin distributing aid.”

Difficult terrain, blocked mountain roads and harsh weather conditions have slowed rescue efforts. Helicopters flew in supplies and evacuated the injured to hospitals in Kabul and Nangarhar, while ambulances lined damaged roads trying to reach devastated communities.

The United Nations Children’s Fund warned that thousands of children are among those at risk, sending medical supplies, warm clothing, tents, and hygiene kits. The World Health Organization said over 12,000 people have been directly affected, warning that Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system is overwhelmed and heavily dependent on external aid.

Taliban soldiers were deployed to secure the area and assist survivors. Authorities also rushed to remove animal carcasses to prevent contamination of water sources. “Damaged roads, ongoing aftershocks, and the remoteness of many villages severely impede the delivery of aid,” WHO said.

The disaster has further strained Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, already weakened by the sharp drop in international funding. The nation of 42 million, reeling from war and widespread poverty, has faced a steep decline in aid since international donors slashed programs in response to Taliban restrictions on women and humanitarian workers.

So far, Britain has pledged £1 million ($1.35 million) in emergency support, while India has sent 1,000 tents and 15 tons of food supplies to Kunar. Additional pledges of assistance have come from China, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, Pakistan and Iran, though much of the aid has yet to arrive.

The quake has underscored Afghanistan’s vulnerability as global crises stretch donor priorities. “With their houses in ruins, many people are living in the open, afraid of aftershocks,” said Safiullah Noorzai, of Aseel, a humanitarian technology platform. “Food and tents are desperately needed.”

The tragedy adds to Afghanistan’s mounting humanitarian crisis, where millions already depend on relief aid to survive.

Sudan Landslide kills more than 1,000 in Darfur village

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Sudan Landslide kills more than 1,000 in Darfur village

Indiana, PA (BN24) – A devastating landslide in Sudan’s Darfur region has killed more than 1,000 people after wiping out the village of Tarasin, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country’s recent history, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army.

The landslide struck Sunday in the Marrah Mountains of Central Darfur following days of relentless rainfall. Rebel leaders said the entire village was “completely leveled to the ground,” leaving only one known survivor. The group appealed to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to urgently assist in recovering bodies and providing aid.

“The scale and magnitude of the disaster are immense and defy description,” rebel leader Abdel-Wahid Nour said Tuesday.

The Sovereign Council in Khartoum expressed condolences for the victims and said it had mobilized “all possible capabilities” to support the devastated area. However, access remains a challenge. Local residents described the tragedy as “unprecedented,” noting that Tarasin and its people had “disappeared” under the landslide.

Footage shared by regional news outlets showed flattened land between mountain ranges with survivors searching through debris. According to Mohamed Abdel-Rahman al-Nair, a spokesman for the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army, the village is so remote it can only be reached on foot or by donkeys.

The Marrah Mountains, a volcanic range rising more than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), are known for their cooler temperatures and heavier rainfall compared with the rest of Darfur. The area, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies 900 kilometers (560 miles) west of Khartoum.

This disaster adds to the suffering of Sudan, which remains engulfed in a civil war between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which began in April 2023, and over 14 million displaced. International monitors have accused both sides of committing atrocities, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ongoing conflict has cut off humanitarian access to many areas of Darfur, including the Marrah Mountains. Doctors Without Borders has described these regions as a “black hole” in Sudan’s humanitarian response, where communities have been “deprived of adequate assistance” for over two years.

Seasonal rains, which last from July to October, cause hundreds of deaths in Sudan each year. Last year, heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a dam in Red Sea Province, killing at least 30 people.

For families already displaced by war and famine, Sunday’s landslide adds a new layer of tragedy to Sudan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, which has left more than 30 million people in urgent need of aid.

Maduro warns Venezuela ready to respond to US military buildup in Caribbean-AP

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Maduro warns Venezuela ready to respond to US military buildup in Caribbean-AP

Caracas (BN24) – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Monday that his country was on “maximum preparedness” to defend itself against a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, warning that any attack would be met with force.

Speaking at a press conference in Caracas, Maduro characterized the U.S. deployment as “extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal,” accusing Washington of using drug cartels as a pretext to escalate tensions in the region.

His comments came as the United States increased its maritime operations in Latin American waters to counter narcotics trafficking. The U.S. Navy currently has multiple guided-missile destroyers and a cruiser stationed near Venezuela, with additional amphibious assault ships — carrying more than 4,000 sailors and Marines — set to enter the region this week, according to a U.S. defense official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

While U.S. officials have not indicated any plans for a land incursion, Maduro’s government has already moved troops to Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and its border with Colombia. The president also urged civilians to join militias, saying the country must be ready to mobilize if necessary.

“In the face of this maximum military pressure, we have declared maximum preparedness for the defense of Venezuela,” Maduro said. He added that if the U.S. attacked, he would declare a “republic in arms,” though he did not elaborate on what such a declaration would entail.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil echoed Maduro’s warnings, accusing Washington of fabricating a narrative to justify its deployment. Citing a U.N. report, Gil argued that the majority of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific, with only a small percentage moving through Venezuela. “This deployment threatens the entire region,” he said during a virtual meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, urging countries to demand its withdrawal.

The military escalation coincides with President Donald Trump’s push to intensify efforts against drug cartels, which he blames for fueling the fentanyl crisis and gang-related violence in the United States. The White House has framed the expanded naval presence as part of a broader strategy to target transnational criminal organizations.

Maduro, however, warned that any U.S. military action against Venezuela would have grave consequences. “President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide,” Maduro said. “You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela. Any intervention will stain your hands with blood.”

The Venezuelan leader, sworn in for a third six-year term in January despite widespread allegations of election fraud, claimed his government still maintains direct channels of communication with Washington. He said one line is through the U.S. State Department and another through Trump’s envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell.

Maduro also lashed out at U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, labeling him a “warlord” who is pushing for confrontation in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has welcomed the U.S. deployment, describing it as “the right approach” and urging continued international pressure on Maduro to step down.

Despite his defiance, Maduro remains deeply isolated internationally, with many nations refusing to recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president. Still, he framed the U.S. buildup as proof of Venezuela’s strength and resilience.

“This is a sovereign nation,” he said. “We will defend it at all costs.”

Man United agree an £18.1m transfer deal to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp

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Man United agree an £18.1m transfer deal to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United have agreed a transfer deal worth £18.1 million (€21 million) to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, bringing a key addition to their squad ahead of the Premier League transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper will travel to Manchester to undergo a medical and finalize a five-year contract. The deal, which includes additional performance-based clauses, marks a significant step in Manchester United’s summer transfer activity as they seek to reinforce a problematic position.

Manchester United’s goalkeeper struggles have been a persistent issue this season. Second-choice Altay Bayindir has made multiple high-profile errors in domestic league matches, while last season’s No.1, Andre Onana, has come under heavy criticism for his inconsistency—most notably during United’s shock EFL Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.

Club sources view Lammens as a rising star in European football, citing his composure, athleticism, and long-term development potential. He made 64 appearances for Royal Antwerp since his move from Club Brugge in 2023 and played a key role in their Belgian Super Cup win. Last season, he kept seven clean sheets in 30 league matches and was called up to the Belgium national team for the first time in March 2025.

Though he has yet to make a senior international appearance, Lammens is widely tipped as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois, a sentiment echoed by Belgian football analysts.

The goalkeeper had been left out of Antwerp’s recent squads amid speculation about his future, which has now been resolved with his transfer to Manchester United.

His signing ends United’s interest in Aston Villa and Argentina international Emiliano Martinez, who had been a top target earlier in the window.

Manchester United transfer news has dominated deadline day headlines, with winger Antony close to completing a move to Real Betis, while Jadon Sancho is expected to join Aston Villa on loan. Meanwhile, striker Rasmus Højlund is nearing a switch to Serie A side Napoli.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo, who had explored loan options due to limited playing time under Erik ten Hag, is now expected to stay at Old Trafford following discussions with the manager.

The addition of Senne Lammens reflects Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy focused on youth, potential, and long-term stability in key positions. United’s decision to act quickly ahead of the deadline shows intent to correct last season’s defensive shortcomings and reassert their competitiveness in both domestic and European campaigns.

Credit: Sky Sport

Boxing Legend Joe Bugner Dies at 75

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Boxing Legend Joe Bugner Dies at 75

BRISBANE, Australia (BN24) — Joe Bugner, the former British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion who once went the distance with both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has died at the age of 75.

The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed his death in a statement Monday, noting that Bugner passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia, where he had lived for years. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.

“It is with great sadness that the former British, European, Commonwealth heavyweight champion and world championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away,” the Board said. “The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”

Born in Hungary in 1950, Bugner became a British citizen as a child and later emigrated to Australia, where he spent his later life. His boxing career spanned more than two decades and featured showdowns with some of the most legendary names in heavyweight history.

Bugner twice fought Muhammad Ali, first in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975 for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring Magazine world titles. On both occasions, Bugner went the full 15 rounds, losing by unanimous decision but earning widespread respect for his endurance against “The Greatest.”

In between those bouts, Bugner faced Joe Frazier in London’s Earls Court in 1973, just months after his first clash with Ali. Though he lost, the fight further cemented Bugner’s reputation as one of the division’s most durable contenders.

Domestically, Bugner achieved fame in 1971 when, at just 21, he scored a controversial decision victory over beloved British fighter Henry Cooper to claim the British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. The win was met with mixed reactions—Cooper was a national icon, and Bugner’s defensive style polarized fans—but the bout marked his arrival at the top tier of heavyweight boxing.

He successfully defended his European title against Jurgen Blin before losing his titles to Jack Bodell later in 1971. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bugner continued to face elite opponents, including the hard-hitting Earnie Shavers and future British star Frank Bruno.

Despite never capturing a world title, Bugner ended his professional career with a commendable record of 69 wins (41 by knockout), 13 losses, and one draw.

Tributes poured in across the boxing community following the news of his passing. Frank Warren, a leading British promoter, wrote: “Sad news to hear of the passing of Joe Bugner… a man who went the distance with both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He also participated in the first fight I did on ITV – a great man who will be missed. I’m sending my regards to his family. May he rest in peace.”

Fans also took to social media to honor Bugner’s toughness and longevity. One tribute read: “RIP Joe Bugner, boy could fight for sure. Took on Ali twice and lost on decisions. Also fought Cooper, Frazier, Shavers, and Bruno. Was underrated.” Another wrote: “He fought and tested the greats of the heavyweight division and has to be considered one of the best never to win a world title.”

Bugner remains one of only a few fighters to have gone the distance with both Ali and Frazier—a distinction that underscores his status as one of the toughest heavyweight boxers of the 1970s.

Nigerian secessionist activist Simon Ekpa jailed for terrorism in Finland

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Nigerian secessionist activist Simon Ekpa jailed for terrorism in Finland

HELSINKI, Finland (BN24) — A court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a prominent Nigerian-Finnish secessionist activist, to six years in prison after convicting him of terrorism-related offences and aggravated tax fraud.

The Päijät-Häme District Court ruled that Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, used illegal means to support the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria. The court found that between August 2021 and November 2024, he facilitated the operations of armed groups by supplying weapons and explosives through a network of contacts.

Ekpa, a former local councillor in Lahti, denied all charges. His legal team has not confirmed whether he will appeal the verdict.

In a unanimous ruling delivered by a three-judge panel, the court found that Ekpa also incited violence in Nigeria through his use of social media platforms, encouraging members of the public to commit crimes in the name of Biafran independence. The court documents, shared with BBC News Pidgin by his lawyer, detailed his alleged role in coordinating and financing violence from abroad.

Ekpa has been a vocal figure within the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) movement, a group banned in Nigeria and classified as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government. Though Ipob was founded in 2012 as a peaceful movement, it launched an armed wing in 2020, claiming to protect the Igbo ethnic group from persecution.

Critics argue that the group has instead contributed to worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast, with violent attacks on civilians, police, and government infrastructure. The Nigerian military has blamed Ipob and its affiliates for dozens of deadly incidents in recent years.

Ekpa’s arrest in Finland in February 2023 followed rising pressure from the Nigerian government, which called for his extradition to face charges related to terrorism, violent extremism, and incitement. In March 2024, Nigerian authorities included Ekpa on a list of 97 wanted individuals linked to secessionist violence.

Ekpa came under international scrutiny in 2022 after a BBC investigation identified him as one of Ipob’s so-called “media warriors” — individuals allegedly using social media to call for violence and rebellion against the Nigerian state. Ekpa did not respond to the BBC’s requests for comment at the time.

The origins of the Biafran secessionist movement trace back to the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970, when Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo military officer, declared the independent Republic of Biafra following widespread killings of southeasterners in northern Nigeria. The war resulted in over a million deaths due to fighting, famine, and a lack of medical care.

Today’s secessionist calls echo those of the past, though they have taken on a new dimension through online activism and the diaspora’s involvement. Ekpa’s conviction marks one of the most high-profile cases of foreign-based activists facing legal consequences for alleged involvement in violence in Nigeria.

It remains unclear whether Finnish authorities will cooperate with further Nigerian demands, including possible asset seizures or additional legal actions. For now, Simon Ekpa will serve his sentence in Finland.

Credit: BBC

Plane carrying EU Chief Ursula Von Der Leyen targeted by suspected Russian GPS jamming

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Plane carrying EU Chief Ursula Von Der Leyen targeted by suspected Russian GPS jamming

Plovdiv, Bulgaria (BN24) — A plane transporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was subjected to suspected Russian GPS jamming during its approach to Plovdiv International Airport on Sunday, according to European Commission officials. The interference occurred amid a critical diplomatic mission to Eastern European countries neighbouring Russia, Belarus, and the Black Sea.

European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podestà confirmed the incident, highlighting it as a serious breach of aviation safety and a vivid demonstration of what Brussels has long characterized as Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics. Bulgarian authorities have launched an investigation, suspecting Russian involvement, though the Kremlin swiftly rejected the claim.

“Your information is incorrect,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told The Financial Times, denying any connection to the jamming episode.

Despite the interference, the aircraft landed safely in Plovdiv. According to a source familiar with the flight, pilots were forced to navigate manually using paper charts after the GPS signal was disrupted, a scenario aviation experts warn could pose significant risks, especially in unfamiliar or congested airspace.

Podestà described the disruption as a “stark reminder” of the everyday threats faced by EU frontline states from Russia and its proxies. She underscored the symbolism of von der Leyen’s trip in light of the incident, which occurred during her multi-nation tour aimed at reinforcing European solidarity and support for Ukraine as the war enters its third year.

“This incident underlines the urgency of the president’s current trip to frontline Member States, where she has seen first-hand the everyday threats from Russia and its proxies,” Podestà said.

Von der Leyen, who has emerged as one of Kyiv’s most outspoken allies within the EU, had just completed stops in Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Bulgaria. Her itinerary includes further visits to Lithuania and Romania. Speaking shortly after landing—before the incident became public—she reinforced the EU’s position on deterrence against Moscow.

“Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator,” von der Leyen said. “He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.”

Incidents of GPS jamming and spoofing have become increasingly common across Europe, particularly near conflict-adjacent zones like the Baltic and Black Seas. Research from institutions in Poland and Germany has linked such interference to Russian military operations, with Kaliningrad and clandestine maritime assets identified as key sources. In response, the European Union has already imposed sanctions on individuals and entities connected to electronic warfare targeting EU airspace and infrastructure.

The GPS disruption affecting von der Leyen’s flight adds to a growing list of incidents attributed to Russian electronic warfare, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety and escalating geopolitical tensions.

As von der Leyen’s diplomatic tour continues, EU officials remain resolute in calling for expanded military and financial aid to Ukraine—framing the incident not just as a security concern, but as a call to action for a more unified European defense posture in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

Rudy Giuliani to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom, Trump announces

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Rudy Giuliani to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom, Trump announces

NEW YORK (BN24) — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social.

The announcement comes just days after Giuliani was hospitalized with back injuries following a rear-end car collision in New Hampshire. According to police, the accident occurred Saturday evening, with all parties sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Giuliani has since been released from the hospital, though his security detail reported that he suffered lacerations, contusions, and back pain as a result of the crash.

Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, described Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States and is awarded to individuals who have made “exceptionally meritorious contributions to the nation’s prosperity, values, or security, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavours.”

Giuliani rose to national prominence for his steady leadership during one of America’s darkest moments, guiding New York through the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His response earned him Time magazine’s Person of the Year title in 2001 and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

After leaving office as mayor, Giuliani ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 before becoming a key figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign. He later served as Trump’s personal attorney, playing a central role in post-2020 election efforts to overturn the results. Giuliani was widely criticized for spreading unfounded claims of voter fraud, which ultimately led to a series of legal troubles, including a $148 million defamation judgment against him. The lawsuit, brought by two Georgia election workers, forced Giuliani to file for bankruptcy and contributed to the suspension of his legal license.

While Giuliani has yet to publicly respond to the medal announcement, the honor marks a stark contrast to his recent legal and financial challenges. The timeline for the formal presentation of the award remains unclear.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has previously been awarded to a wide range of prominent figures, including boxer Muhammad Ali, primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion editor Anna Wintour, and actor Michael J. Fox. In 2017, then-President Barack Obama awarded the medal to his vice president, Joe Biden.

Despite the personal and professional setbacks in recent years, Giuliani remains a polarizing but influential figure in American politics. Though no longer a member of Trump’s legal team, advisers to both men have said their personal relationship has endured.

Credit:BBC

Pope Leo XIV signals continuity on LGBTQ inclusion in Catholic Church after meeting with Fr. James Martin

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Pope Leo XIV signals continuity on LGBTQ inclusion in Catholic Church after meeting with Fr. James Martin

VATICAN CITY (BN24) — In a clear signal of continuity with his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV told Jesuit priest and LGBTQ advocate Rev. Fr. James Martin on Monday that he intends to uphold the welcoming posture toward LGBTQ Catholics that characterized the papacy of Pope Francis.

The meeting, held at the Apostolic Palace and made public by the Vatican, lasted approximately 30 minutes and underscored Pope Leo’s openness to continuing the path laid by Francis, who made historic gestures toward inclusion during his tenure.

Fr. Martin, a prominent U.S.-based Jesuit author and editor, shared details of the meeting on social media, along with a photo released by Vatican News. He described Pope Leo as “joyful, relaxed and serene,” and said he was encouraged to persist in his ministry advocating for LGBTQ Catholics.

“The message I received was that Pope Leo will be continuing with the same openness and welcome that Francis showed to LGBTQ people,” Martin posted. “He is a joy to be with.”

Speaking later to The Associated Press, Martin reiterated that the new pontiff echoed Pope Francis’ pastoral tone and inclusive stance.

“I heard the same message from Pope Leo that I heard from Pope Francis, which is the desire to welcome all people, including LGBTQ people,” Martin said. “It was wonderful. It was very consoling and very encouraging and frankly a lot of fun.”

The Vatican’s decision to formally announce the audience was widely seen as a deliberate signal of support. Pope Leo’s move to publicly receive Martin—who has often drawn both praise and criticism for his work with LGBTQ Catholics—demonstrates a clear intent to maintain the Church’s evolving engagement with the LGBTQ community.

Martin is currently in Rome leading a Jubilee pilgrimage with Outreach, the LGBTQ Catholic ministry he directs.

Pope Francis, who died earlier this year, marked a historic shift in the Catholic Church’s tone by emphasizing mercy and pastoral care over doctrinal exclusion. Pope Leo’s early gestures suggest he plans to continue that trajectory, potentially deepening the Church’s relationship with LGBTQ faithful around the world.

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