Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv spoke at the European Bishops' Conference in Salzburg, Austria. He warned that the upcoming winter could be the most difficult yet due to Russian attacks destroying Ukraine's infrastructure. Shevchuk stated that the church is providing heating systems to help people cope with power outages. He emphasized that the church offers resilience and hope to those suffering from war trauma. The Archbishop expressed gratitude for European solidarity and affirmed the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and human dignity. During the conference, he also met with Ukrainian refugees who had fled to Salzburg.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
Hundreds of cathedrals and landmarks across multiple countries will be illuminated in red this November to symbolize the blood of martyrs. The initiative, organized by Portawie Pracy dla Polaków (PKwP), aims to raise awareness for Christians facing persecution. Participating sites include the Austrian President’s residence, Christ the King monument in Portugal, and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Significant participation is expected in Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland. Events also extend to Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, where a special collection will support suffering believers. According to PKwP data, over 413 million Christians live in countries with serious religious freedom violations.
Two humanitarian workers from Austria and Switzerland have been freed after nearly two years in captivity. The pair arrived in a city in Libya and are scheduled to travel to their respective home countries. Both women were abducted separately in a region of Niger in early 2025. Sources attribute the kidnappings to the Islamic State in the Sahel. Reports suggest a prominent Libyan political figure played a role in their release, though this remains unconfirmed. The exact details of their liberation have not been disclosed.
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Swjatoslaw Schewtschuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, thanked European churches for their support during the war in Ukraine. Speaking in Salzburg, Austria, he emphasized that the Ukrainian people need attention and solidarity more than material goods. He warned that the upcoming winter could be the most difficult in decades due to Russian attacks on infrastructure. Schewtschuk highlighted the role of churches as shelters and praised Ukrainian refugees in Europe, particularly in Austria, for actively contributing to their host societies. He urged bishops to maintain support for Ukraine, describing the conflict as a war against all of Europe.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
Bishop Hermann Glettler of the Diocese of Innsbruck unveiled a new bouldering hall inside the former Petrus Canisius parish church in Innsbruck, Austria. The facility, officially opening on November 7, combines modern sports with continued religious services. Glettler stated that the sacred is present during climbing activities, emphasizing that human life is holy. While the hall operates daily for bouldering, two hours on Sunday evenings are reserved for Mass, where visitors sit on the floor. The Diocese of Innsbruck confirmed that parish life and pastoral care remain active in the building, integrating sport, community, and spiritual offerings.
Hundreds of cathedrals and landmarks across multiple countries will be illuminated in red this November to symbolize the blood of martyrs. The initiative, organized by Portawie Pracy dla Polaków (PKwP), aims to raise awareness for Christians facing persecution. Participating sites include the Austrian President’s residence, Christ the King monument in Portugal, and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Significant participation is expected in Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland. Events also extend to Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, where a special collection will support suffering believers. According to PKwP data, over 413 million Christians live in countries with serious religious freedom violations.
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