Headline
Pope Francis Approves Blessings For Same-sex Couples

Pope Francis has granted permission for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community within the Roman Catholic Church.
The BBC reports that the head of the Roman Catholic Church stated that, in some cases, priests ought to be able to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples.
However, the Vatican has emphasised that blessings should not be incorporated into routine Church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings.
It added that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman.
READ ALSO: Three In Police Net Over Alleged Same-sex Relationship
A Vatican document outlining the move was approved by Pope Francis on Monday.
Although the document itself states that priests must make decisions on a case-by-case basis, the Vatican said it should be a sign that “God welcomes all.”
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, while introducing the text, made it clear that the revised position does not confer official recognition to same-sex couples within the Catholic Church.
The declaration signifies a shift in tone, albeit without altering its stance. The Pope had in 2021 declared that priests are prohibited from bestowing blessings upon same-sex marriages, citing the belief that God cannot “bless sin”.
READ ALSO: Same-sex Marriage: US-based Nigerian Anglican Bishop, Canterbury Archbishop Disagree
Within the Catholic Church, a blessing consists of a prayer or entreaty, typically recited by a minister, requesting that God provide favour to the individual or individuals receiving the blessing.
In October, Pope Francis hinted that he might be willing to see same-sex couples blessed by the Church.
According to the BBC, while the position of Church officials remained unclear, bishops in several countries had previously permitted priests to bless same-sex marriages.
Headline
Six-year-old Nigerian Girl Dies After Fall From Apartment In Canada
A six-year-old Nigerian girl has died after falling from a high-rise residential building in Toronto, Canada, in a tragic incident that has left the community in shock.
Reports indicate that her mother was in Nigeria at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred at an apartment complex on Chalkfarm Drive in North York, close to Jane Street, at about 8:15 p.m.
Toronto Police Service said officers responded to a report described as “unknown trouble” and later found the child unresponsive on the ground outside the building.
Residents of the building described the girl as cheerful and familiar within the community, saying her death had deeply unsettled neighbours.
READ ALSO:Man With Lengthy Criminal Record Shoots Nigerian To Death Inside Bus In Canada
One resident told CP24 that the child was regularly seen playing around the premises.
“She used to come here all the time and play… she was a lively kid. It’s very, very sad,” the neighbour said.
Another resident said the news had been devastating for people living in the building, adding that the girl was a familiar face during daily routines such as school runs.
“It’s crazy that I will never see this child again. I see her every morning. It’s heartbreaking,” the resident said.
According to neighbours, the girl had been staying with a family friend who lives on the top floor of the building while her mother was away in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Man With Lengthy Criminal Record Shoots Nigerian To Death Inside Bus In Canada
Some residents also questioned how the incident occurred, noting that the building is fitted with window safety features designed to prevent full opening.
“To be fair, they do have precautions on these windows to make sure these things don’t happen,” one resident said.
Another added that the windows are secured and cannot be fully opened, further adding to uncertainty surrounding the circumstances.
The property management company, Greenwin, which manages the building at 200 Chalkfarm Drive, described the incident as “deeply saddening,” adding that its thoughts are with the child’s family.
READ ALSO:Travel Chaos: Air Canada Shut Down By Flight Attendant Strike
The company confirmed that emergency responders attended the scene promptly and said it is fully cooperating with investigators.
It declined to comment on the condition or inspection history of the windows, citing an ongoing investigation.
Police in Toronto said the case is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, though investigations are continuing pending autopsy results.
Headline
US Govt Finally Releases Files On UFOs, Alien Life
President Donald Trump’s administration has released a batch of previously unseen files, videos and photographs on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, UAP.
The government described the development as part of a push for greater transparency on government-held information about extraterrestrial-related sightings.
According to Fox News, the White House said the materials, drawn from across multiple government agencies, have been made publicly accessible without security clearance requirements.
Officials said the release is intended to allow the public to review the information and draw their own conclusions.
READ ALSO:Trump Bows To Pressure, Deletes Post Depicting Self As Jesus
“The latest UAP videos, photos, and original source documents from across the entire United States government are all in one place,” the White House said, adding that past administrations had sought to limit public disclosure.
The release is part of a programme identified as the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters, PURSUE, which officials say will continue with further disclosures.
Among the initial materials are images reportedly linked to Apollo 12 and Apollo 17 space missions, including a photograph from the lunar surface showing three small dots in the sky.
The release also includes transcripts of communications from Apollo 17, in which crew members described observing bright, fast-moving particles or fragments outside their spacecraft.
READ ALSO:Trump Tired Of War In Iran – Shehu Sani
In one exchange, astronauts described seeing “very bright particles” and “jagged, angular fragments” while in orbit, comparing the appearance to fireworks.
Trump previously said he would support declassifying government files related to UFOs and UAPs, following renewed public interest in the subject.
He had earlier directed federal agencies to begin identifying and releasing relevant documents.
Headline
Strait Of Hormuz: Pakistan Thanks Trump For Pausing ‘Project Freedom’
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed gratitude to United States President Donald Trump for temporarily pausing ‘Project Freedom’, an initiative to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, Sharif thanked Trump for pausing the “Project Freedom” mission, praising him for his courageous leadership and timely announcement.
According to him, Trump’s decision was made in response to requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other brotherly countries.
READ ALSO: Oil Prices Drop After Iran Reopens Strait Of Hormuz
He added that the pause would go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during the sensitive period.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” Sharif said.
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