Pope Leo XIV visited France from September 25 to 28, 2026, to engage with the nation's Christian heritage. The outlet reports that the visit received widespread public support and official government participation. The article claims the Pope emphasized traditional Catholic teachings on life and ethics during events in Paris, Lourdes, and Metz. Observers noted large crowds and described the visit as a significant moment for French society. The text argues that the Pope's presence helped revive interest in religious traditions after decades of secular policies. The visit is portrayed as a successful effort to restore cultural identity and spiritual hope in the region.
Wilderness Church in Seoul distributed winter jackets to approximately 2,000 homeless individuals and residents of single-room housing on November 14. The event, held at Yeongdeungpo Park, was organized by the church and the NGO Desert Road Makers. Pastor Myung-hee Lim stated the initiative began 39 years ago after witnessing poor living conditions. The event included a concert featuring actor Jang Kwang and singer Tae Jin-ah. Local officials, including Yeongdeungpo District Chief Jo Yu-jin, pledged continued support for housing and welfare services to help vulnerable residents survive the winter.
About 100 suicide bereaved family members and volunteers gathered in Seoul on November 14 for the 10th annual 'November Christmas' cultural event. Organized by Lifehope Christian Suicide Prevention Center, the Korea Life Respect and Hope Foundation, and the Korea Suicide Bereaved Association, the gathering featured nail art, quilt tree making, and a play. Participants shared their grief and found healing through peer support. Organizers noted a shift from hiding pain to open community connection, with plans to expand the event into a cultural exchange platform next year.
The Catholic parish of St. Karl in Cologne-Sülz provides food, clothing, and counseling to residents facing hidden poverty. Diakon Hanno Sprissler and volunteer Nuri run the initiative, which ensures no one is turned away despite rising costs. The project supports refugees like Yuliia Marchenko and locals struggling with financial insecurity. While the German government bears primary responsibility for social welfare, the church emphasizes human dignity and community support. This local effort addresses a growing need, as many Tafel organizations across Germany struggle with insufficient donations and volunteers.
Hundreds of pilgrims gathered in a town in Turkey to celebrate the feast day of Saint Nektarios. A metropolitan bishop presided over the Divine Liturgy, highlighting the revival of Orthodox Christian life in the region. The annual event, permitted by Turkish authorities since 2015, has helped reestablish an Orthodox presence in a city where the historic Greek community had virtually disappeared. The bishop noted that regular worship now attracts worshippers from various nationalities. Efforts also continue to restore historical sites associated with the saint, including his birthplace, in cooperation with local authorities.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Aram on UnsplashPersecuted church
A presidential candidate in Nigeria has pledged to prioritize combating violence against Christians and other religious minorities if elected. He submitted a strategic document to international bodies, highlighting attacks in northern and central regions where churches and villages have been destroyed. The candidate warned against framing the crisis solely as a Muslim-Christian conflict, noting that Shia and Hausa Muslims are also victims. According to Open Doors, Nigeria remains the deadliest country for Christians, with thousands killed in recent years. The election is scheduled for early next year.
The Cuba Bible Society plans to distribute one million additional Bibles to address the persistent shortage in the country. According to the Canadian Bible Society's 2024 report, over one million Christians in Cuba still lack their own copies. Joel Ortega Dupico, president of the Cuba Bible Society, stated that the new distribution targets home churches, youth, and prisoners, rather than just existing church members. The independent Cuba Bible Society was established in September 2023 to continue this work. Economic difficulties prevent many locals from purchasing scriptures, making international support essential for this initiative.
On November 13, 2026, the traditional St Elizabeth Soup charity event took place in the center of Košice, Slovakia. Organized as part of the Sacred Art Festival, the initiative aims to help people in need. This year, proceeds from voluntary donations will support the Radosť Association, which assists individuals with mental illnesses. Vice-mayor Lucia Gurbalová stated the event fosters solidarity and awareness for vulnerable groups. Apostolic Administrator Monsignor Bernard Bober emphasized the spiritual significance of St Elizabeth’s legacy. The funds will aid client activities and equipment for the association, which has operated since 1997. The celebrations continue with religious services at the Cathedral of St Elizabeth through November 15.
An itinerant exhibition titled 'In the Lord's House' is currently displayed in the Cathedral of Pucallpa, Peru. Curators Lorenzo Cantoni and Adine Gavazzi explain that the project explores the history and community behind the devotion to the Lord of Miracles. Pope Leo XIV referenced this purple-clad tradition during a speech in Lima on November 11. The display traces the image's origins to a 1651 wall painting in Pachacamilla and its global spread among Peruvian diaspora communities. The exhibition aims to show how the faith unites people across different regions through shared rituals and heritage.
Peruvian prosecutors have decided to archive the investigation into forced sterilizations carried out during the 1990s under the government of Alberto Fujimori due to the statute of limitations. This decision brings renewed attention to thousands of women who have spent decades demanding justice and reparations for these human rights violations. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability regarding state-sponsored medical abuses in Peru. The move by the Public Ministry effectively closes the legal avenue for these specific historical crimes, leaving victims without judicial recourse for the procedures performed on them during that era.
Seongheung Church in Jitoe-ri, Buyeo, South Korea, held its fourth Jitoe Service Day on November 14. Pastor Jeong-mun Lim organized the three-day event to provide cultural experiences for the village's elderly population. Activities included soap making, cooking classes, a barbecue party, and a concert featuring baritone Kim Seung-hwan. Over 150 residents attended the final day. The initiative, started to combat isolation in a remote area, has fostered strong community bonds, with non-Christian locals now supporting the church. The event highlights the church's role in enhancing the quality of life for local seniors.
Translated from 한국어
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Jose Prieto on UnsplashGood news
Joaquín José Martínez, a former death row inmate exonerated in Florida in 2001, called on Governor-elect Byron Donalds to stop executions during a press conference on November 12. Joined by fellow exonerees Herman Lindsey and Seth Penalver, Martínez argued that the sociopolitical landscape regarding capital punishment has shifted significantly. He highlighted the active opposition from Catholic bishops in the state, who emphasize the sanctity of life. Martínez, originally from Spain, stated that the United States should lead by example in abolishing the death penalty, noting that advocacy efforts are now more unified than when he was sentenced.
Pucallpa, Peru, is preparing for Pope Leo XIV's visit on November 15, marking the first papal Mass in the Peruvian Amazon. Local church leaders, including Bishop Augusto Martín Quijano Rodríguez, emphasize that liturgical items like the chalice and paten reflect Shipibo art and Amazonian culture. These symbols aim to integrate indigenous spirituality with Christian faith. The Pope will also meet with indigenous peoples in Yarinacocha. Organizers view the preparations as a communal ecclesial experience, highlighting collaboration among parishes, artisans, and volunteers to welcome the Pontiff and share the region's cultural heritage.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The Chechelnytsia District Court in Ukraine fined a soldier 1,700 hryvnias for refusing to take the military oath. The serviceman, a member of the Church of the Christian Faith of the Evangelicals, cited religious beliefs prohibiting weapon use. The court ruled that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, it does not exempt citizens from constitutional duties during mobilization. Alternative service is not available for conscripts during martial law. The soldier's claims regarding illegal mobilization and health issues were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
In Aachen, Germany, Missio President Dirk Bingener urged the strengthening of global church aid structures ahead of the World Day of the Poor. Speaking on Friday, Bingener emphasized that as state development funds are cut, Western donors must prioritize economic self-reliance for people in poverty. He stated that education, vocational training, and income generation are key to overcoming poverty, noting that human capabilities are the most important resource. The Catholic Church will mark the tenth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, with Pope Leo XIV setting the theme “The Lord is the refuge of the poor.”
A Tokyo judge acquitted Tatsuki Nakayama, an attorney for the Family Federation, of criminal insult charges brought by journalist Eight Suzuki. The ruling, which became final after prosecutors declined to appeal, addressed a 2023 blog post where Nakayama criticized Suzuki’s use of a pen name and his reporting style. Judge Nobuhiro Takamori determined that the context of the article prioritized public debate over personal attack. This verdict marks a significant shift in Japanese judicial proceedings concerning the Family Federation, which has faced widespread legal challenges and asset liquidation orders. The case highlights ongoing tensions between anti-cult legal teams and the religious organization regarding alleged damages and public discourse.
The Morenamun foundation, established by Seongnak Holy Church in Seoul, delivered 1,000 coal briquettes to residents of a shantytown in Seongdong District on November 14. Approximately 60 church members accompanied the delivery to assist three households. Foundation secretary-general Lee Seong-do stated that support for coal has decreased due to economic difficulties, making this aid crucial for elderly residents facing harsh winters. The organization, which transitioned from a church volunteer group to a registered non-profit this year, continues to provide various charitable services including health checkups and holiday assistance for marginalized neighbors.
The Health for All Partnership in Toronto has expanded its nursing student placements beyond the original St. Francis Table clinic in Parkdale. Humber College students now serve at multiple sites, including shelters and parish locations, to provide care to unhoused and diverse residents. The program, which began three years ago, aims to transform how future nurses engage with vulnerable communities. Project leads Heidi Siu and Frankie Burg-Feret will host a Knowledge Café on November 26 to discuss the model's impact and sustainability. Capuchin Friar Br. John Frampton notes the holistic benefit of adding healthcare to food services. The initiative seeks to create a replicable model for other institutions after current funding ends.
Adriano Alonso Rafael Durand, a 22-year-old law student from Peru, shared his faith journey with Pope Leo XIV. Raised in a Protestant family, he felt spiritual emptiness despite early success in arts. Joining the Natus Vincere group changed his path through prayer and Eucharistic devotion. He received sacraments in November 2025. Durand quoted Saint John Paul II, urging students to fearlessly look to Christ. His testimony highlights a transition from doubt to committed Catholic practice, emphasizing ongoing spiritual struggle and love for the Church.
Translated from Polski
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