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In a stunning heist that has left Paris in shock, a collection of priceless jewels tied to 19th-century French imperial history was stolen from the Louvre Museum. The theft, described as extraordinary, has prompted an intense investigation as the iconic museum remains closed for a second day. According to the French Culture Ministry, the stolen items include several pieces of immense historical significance. Among them are the emerald necklace and earrings once worn by Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon I. Also missing are the crown and brooch of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, as well as the crown and sapphire jewelry worn by Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense, who reigned from 1830 to 1848. A reliquary brooch, another treasured artifact, was also taken. These jewels not only represent opulence but also serve as tangible links to France’s imperial past. The heist has raised concerns about security at one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions and has left historians and art enthusiasts mourning the loss of these irreplaceable treasures.

The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed on Monday following a brazen daylight theft of historic Napoleonic-era jewels, prompting a nationwide reassessment of security measures at cultural institutions. The audacious heist, which unfolded just 250 meters from the iconic Mona Lisa, involved thieves using a basket lift to scale the museum’s facade, forcing entry through a window, and smashing display cases to steal priceless artifacts. The robbery, lasting less than eight minutes, occurred shortly after the museum opened, with visitors already inside, marking one of the most high-profile museum thefts in recent memory.

French officials confirmed that eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, necklaces, earrings, and a reliquary brooch linked to 19th-century French queens and Empress Marie-Louise, were stolen. One item, Empress Eugénie’s imperial crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, was later recovered outside the museum. Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the operation as highly professional, with thieves demonstrating precise knowledge of their targets.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged significant security lapses, questioning why windows were unsecured and a basket lift was accessible on a public road. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has ordered an immediate review of security protocols at cultural sites across France. Meanwhile, the Louvre’s staff informed visitors of the closure and promised refunds for pre-booked tickets.

The incident has cast a spotlight on the museum’s ongoing ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, a 700-million-euro initiative launched earlier this year to modernize infrastructure and enhance security. Dati emphasized that the museum, originally designed for far fewer visitors, faces unique challenges in safeguarding its treasures. Investigations are ongoing, with evidence including motorcycles and license plates recovered from the scene.

In a historic meeting at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV convened with representatives from Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA), a global organization advocating for survivors of clergy abuse and pushing for a universal zero-tolerance policy within the Catholic Church. This marked the first time a pope has formally engaged with an activist group dedicated to this cause. The ECA, which campaigns to extend the U.S. church’s stringent abuse policies worldwide, emphasized the need for the permanent removal from ministry of any priest found guilty of child abuse. During the meeting, Pope Leo acknowledged the significant resistance to implementing a universal zero-tolerance law but expressed his willingness to collaborate with ECA and the Vatican to advance the initiative. Tim Law, co-founder of ECA, highlighted the pope’s openness to dialogue and his recognition of the importance of addressing systemic issues within the Church. While previous popes, including Francis and Benedict XVI, have met with individual survivors, they have largely avoided direct engagement with advocacy organizations. Pope Leo’s meeting with ECA underscores his commitment to addressing clergy abuse more proactively, building on his prior experience as a bishop in Peru, where he was known for listening to victims’ concerns.