Pope Leo XIV visited the Cottolengo Don Orione facility in Argentina on Monday. He met with faithful, religious, and people with disabilities. The Pope stated that a nation's progress is measured by how it welcomes those with special needs. He praised the community as a foundation for charity and peace. He urged Argentina to foster volunteerism and love over exclusion. The Pontiff told residents their lives are a blessing, not a burden. He emphasized that God's love is the basis of hope for those with physical or spiritual impediments. This visit marked the start of his pastoral activities in the country.
Pope Leo XIV visited the Cottolengo Don Orione facility in Claypole, Argentina, on Monday, telling residents with disabilities that their lives are a blessing. The visit served as a symbolic critique of President Javier Milei’s austerity measures, which have cut funding for disability care. Leo then addressed an estimated 2.5 million people at a Mass in Buenos Aires, emphasizing that the economy must serve people. The government recently paid the facility for overdue supplies, though political tensions remain over social spending. The event highlighted the Church's focus on vulnerable populations amidst Argentina's economic challenges.
During a large mass in Palermo, Argentina, 19-year-old Benjamin Wasinger from La Plata told C5N he wants to become a priest. He said Pope Leo XIV inspired his decision to enter a seminary next year. The young man encouraged others to pray for vocations and not be afraid to try. His testimony was broadcast during the papal visit to the Monument to the Spaniards. The event drew many faithful, and his story became one of the most emotional moments of the second day of the visit. According to the outlet, his declaration went viral online.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has requested Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to organize two parliamentary debates in Sri Lanka. General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam cited rising attacks on Buddhist monks and the controversial transfer of judges who ruled against the government. The letter, dated November 8, argues that the state must protect Buddhism and ensure judicial independence. These demands follow recent protests by monks in Colombo seeking the release of extremist leader Gnanasara. Kariyawasam warned that these critical issues might be overshadowed by the upcoming budget debate. As of now, no specific dates have been scheduled for these discussions.
Government data released Friday shows US homelessness fell by more than 6 percent over the past year. Despite this decline, local advocates in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, warn that freezing temperatures remain life-threatening for those without housing. Major Don Sanderson of the Johnstown Salvation Army stated the organization opens its gym only during Code Blue emergencies. He noted that new resources, including grant-funded renovations and a permanent shelter by Catholic Charities, will improve options starting in January. Sanderson added that many individuals couch-surf or hide in vacant buildings, making accurate counts difficult even when traditional shelters have space.
Residents in Chiclayo, Peru, are preparing for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV during his upcoming trip to South America. The city holds special significance for the pontiff, as he previously served there as a missionary and bishop. This visit brings renewed attention to the region where he conducted part of his ministry. The papal journey, which also includes stops in Uruguay and Argentina, is expected to highlight themes of unity and reconciliation. Local anticipation is growing as the church community prepares to welcome the leader who once ministered in their midst.
Translated from ItalianoAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme who was detained in Venezuela for 448 days, wrote a letter to Pope Leo XIV. He asked the Pontiff to highlight the situation of political prisoners still held in Venezuela. Gallo shared his personal experience and expressed concern for those remaining in inhumane conditions. Although he could not deliver the letter personally after the Pope's mass in Palermo, Argentina, he stated his commitment to continuing to speak out for detainees and their families. The message emphasizes human dignity and the hope for peace and justice for those still imprisoned.
Argentine police arrested 25-year-old Tomás Natenzon near the central mass venue in Buenos Aires during Pope Leo XIV’s visit. Authorities seized a pistol, 65 bullets, fake Vatican and police credentials, and 43 trunking communication devices from his Palermo apartment. Natenzon was intercepted on a motorcycle with forged plates and claimed to be a volunteer firefighter. Federal Judge María Romilda Servini ordered his isolation. The investigation continues to determine the origin of the seized military-grade technology and the scope of his actions. The case remains open at the Comodoro Py courts.
The Salvation Army in Fargo, North Dakota, is accepting applications for its annual Christmas food box and Angel Tree programs through November 13, 2026. The organization states that these initiatives serve more than 500 local residents, providing free holiday meals and toys for children aged 12 and under. Distribution of food boxes is set for December 18, while Angel Tree items will be available on December 21 and 22 at Hope Lutheran Church. Additionally, the group is launching its Red Kettle fundraising campaign on November 16 at West Acres Mall to support year-round community services in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
White supremacists disrupted Diwali festivities at the Seattle Centre Armoury in the US on Saturday. Activists carried placards demanding the deportation of South Asian people and claiming Hindus were replacing Christians. This incident highlights rising hostility toward Indian Americans, as noted by two recent surveys. The event, originally a celebration, was invaded by individuals displaying racist slogans. The disruption underscores concerns about visibility of anti-India sentiment in the region. Authorities and community members are examining whether such hate is increasing or simply becoming more apparent in public spaces.
The Portuguese Episcopal Conference announced that 11 additional victims of sexual abuse will receive compensation, bringing the total number of approved claims to 68. Virgílio Antunes, president of the conference, stated that payments for these 11 cases amount to 255,000 euros. This follows an earlier phase where 57 victims received a total of 1.6 million euros. Antunes emphasized that while financial compensation is nearly complete, the Church must continue supporting victims and training pastoral agents to prevent future abuse. The Group VITA, an independent body created by the conference, will continue monitoring these efforts to ensure safe ecclesial spaces in Portugal.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 4 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by J. Weisner on UnsplashPersecuted church
Sonja L. Settles and Billy J. Chambers, accused of arson at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan, have been indicted on additional charges. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Settles faces felon-in-possession-of-a-firearm charges, while Chambers faces similar charges for ammunition. The indictment alleges the pair conspired to burn the church in August 2025, causing $350,000 in damage. The new charges relate to alleged incidents in March and June 2026. The Department of Justice stated that court records detail how Chambers broke a window, poured gasoline, and ignited the structure, while phone records link both suspects to the scene.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing in McCaysville, Georgia, following severe flooding last week. While city officials have restored water service, they warn the supply is unsafe for drinking or cooking. Residents are conserving water for toilet flushing only and receiving bottled water. At Twisted Tomato Pizza, crews strip mud-damaged interiors. Pastor Mike Cole reports that his church and many homes lack water, distributing pallets of bottles and 700 sandwiches. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are also providing disaster relief and meals as debris removal continues. (fox5atlanta.com)
Authorities in Florida have arrested eight individuals connected to a church donation fraud scheme. The operation allegedly collected more than $260,000 from multiple congregations across the state. According to Crossmap, the arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into the financial misconduct. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding financial transparency and accountability within religious organizations in the region. Details regarding the specific churches involved or the identities of the accused were not fully disclosed in the initial report.
A young Christian man was executed by ISIS in a country in North Africa after refusing to renounce his faith. Meanwhile, churches in a region of South Sudan face difficulties sustaining worship and aiding displaced residents following violent clashes between rival communities that resulted in dozens of deaths. In other news, a Middle Eastern nation seeks to reduce U.S. military aid, and a senior church leader invited a city to a Mass for victims after a shooting in a public square killed six people. These events highlight ongoing security and humanitarian challenges across multiple regions.
An Islamic cleric in Plateau State, Nigeria, accused the state government of excluding Muslims from key leadership roles despite claiming they form the majority. He stated that Christians hold positions such as governor, deputy governor, police commissioner, and DSS director. The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to investigate these alleged disparities in political and security appointments. He warned that such perceived marginalization could heighten tensions and trigger unrest. The cleric also highlighted an imbalance in military and police chaplaincies, noting few Muslim representatives compared to Christians. He called for independent investigations by politicians and scholars to ensure fairness and justice.
A young Christian was killed by Islamic State fighters in Libya after refusing to convert to Islam. Meanwhile, communal violence in South Sudan has disrupted worship services, leaving churches struggling to operate. These events highlight ongoing security challenges for religious communities in both North and East Africa. The incident in Libya underscores the dangers faced by minorities in conflict zones, while the unrest in South Sudan continues to impact local congregations and their ability to gather for religious observances.
Two U.S. Christian charities argue that the United Nations should not intervene in their defamation lawsuit against Francesca Albanese. The National Jewish Advocacy Center represents Christian Friends of Israeli Communities and Christians for Israel USA. They claim Albanese lacks immunity because her second term as a U.N. special rapporteur was improperly granted. The charities allege she defamed them by linking them to war crimes in Gaza. The U.S. government previously sanctioned Albanese for harassing groups with ties to Israel. A federal magistrate judge recommended allowing U.N. intervention, but the plaintiffs object. They assert the U.N. cannot claim immunity while the U.S. treats Albanese as subject to American laws.
Religious leaders in Malawi have called on congregations to prepare for potential food shortages and hardships linked to the El Niño phenomenon expected during the 2026/27 rainy season. Reverend John Mphepo Msowoya of the Pastors Fraternity Association of Malawi emphasized combining prayer with practical steps, citing a seasonal outlook from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services. Other clergy, including Apostle Griffin Wisky and Bishop Clement Diya from Mangochi, urged communities to support vulnerable households and seek spiritual stability. Climate agencies warn that El Niño may cause below-normal rainfall and flooding, threatening food production and livelihoods across the country.
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