Vatican News reflects on the 40th anniversary of the historic interfaith prayer for peace held in Assisi, Italy, on October 27, 1986. Pope John Paul II convened religious leaders from various traditions to promote dialogue and reject violence. The article notes that subsequent pontiffs, including Benedict XVI and Francis, continued this legacy. It also references a 2026 encyclical by Pope Leo XIV, which cites the event as a model for contemporary social challenges. The outlet emphasizes that the gathering strengthened Catholic identity while fostering global cooperation for justice and peace without compromising distinct religious beliefs.
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A new documentary titled 'Crossing the Wall' explores the shared Marian devotion between Albania and Italy. The film follows the history of the Mother of Good Counsel icon, which tradition says moved from Shkodër to Genazzano in 1467. It highlights how faith survived communist persecution in Albania and connects to papal visits by Leo XIV and John Paul II. Directed by Gjon Kolndrekaj, the movie premiered in Vatican City and aired on Rai 3. It emphasizes memory and unity across historical divides.
A localized ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine, has taken effect to allow humanitarian aid distribution and civilian evacuations. The truce, reportedly facilitated by US First Lady Melania Trump following a request from Pope Leo XIV, aims to assist up to 1,700 residents trapped in the Kherson district. Russian military engineers are currently clearing mines from routes while Ukrainian officials collect data on vulnerable citizens. This temporary pause may pave the way for upcoming trilateral peace talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, potentially held in the UAE. Meanwhile, a UN-mandated commission accused Russia of war crimes regarding energy infrastructure attacks.
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From October 25 to 27, 2026, Asisi will host an international peace meeting to mark the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's historic 1986 gathering. Organized by the Sant'Egidio Community, the event will bring together representatives from 53 countries, including religious leaders and civil society figures. The theme, 'Disarmed Peace,' focuses on dialogue regarding wars, disarmament, and migration. This initiative, which began in Asisi and later expanded to cities like Warsaw, Jerusalem, and Sarajevo, aims to demonstrate that interfaith cooperation remains possible despite global conflicts. The organizers emphasize that the return to Asisi serves as a reminder of the enduring power of shared efforts for peace.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Bishop Vitaliy Krivytskyi, Ordinary of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, is traveling to Assisi, Italy, to participate in an interfaith forum. In an interview with Vatican media, he stated his message focuses on the theme 'Prayer saves the world.' He addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting that despite five years of conflict, believers must unite their voices in prayer. He emphasized that true peace is linked to justice and expressed gratitude to global supporters who continue to stand with Ukraine. The bishop travels as a pilgrim seeking strength for defenders and the faithful.
An international peace conference in Italy opened, urging attendees to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action. The event marks the 40th anniversary of a historic gathering. A regional director for a women’s initiative highlighted the severe crisis in Sudan. She stated that over 250,000 civilians have been killed in four years, with widespread attacks on homes, religious sites, and women. The group emphasizes that faith institutions must unite to address these escalating conflicts in East Africa and protect human life.
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Pope Leo XIV issued a video message condemning religious violence to mark the 40th anniversary of the International Meeting for Peace in Assisi, Italy. The pontiff stated that no war is holy and rejected the religious justification for armed conflict. He could not attend in person due to recovery from recent thoracic surgery. The message honored St. John Paul II, who founded the event in 1986. Leo urged religious leaders to promote dialogue and peace, citing the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The Vatican announced the cancellation of the papal visit in late October.
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Pope Leo XIV, through a message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, urges participants in Perugia and Assisi to view Mary as a model for dialogue and peace. The message was directed to attendees of an event organized by the Pontifical Marian International Academy and the Order of Friars Minor. The gathering, held from October 27 to 29, involves Marian sanctuaries from Algeria, France, Israel, and Lebanon. Organizers state that Mary serves as a reference point for diverse cultures to meditate on peace and stop wars in the Mediterranean region. They emphasize the need for reconciliation and the inclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts.
Representatives from 53 countries gathered in Rome from October 25 to 27, 2026, for a forum organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. The event focused on achieving unarmed peace and investing in Africa's youth. Speakers, including Cardinal Antoine Kambanda and Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, emphasized that stability is essential for economic development. They warned that corruption and conflict hinder progress, urging governments to prioritize education and job creation for young people. The group stated that sustainable development requires good governance and regional cooperation to protect vulnerable populations and build lasting justice across the continent.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome on October 28, 2026, delivering a lecture on Canon Law. He argued that the Orthodox Church requires a unified canonical code to maintain global unity and prevent political interference. The Patriarch also expressed optimism regarding the reopening of the Halki Theological School in Turkey, citing encouraging talks with local authorities. He emphasized that canon law should facilitate Christian dialogue rather than create division. This visit marked a symbolic return to the institution where he studied decades ago, highlighting his long-standing commitment to inter-Christian rapprochement and theological education.
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Over 5,000 people gathered in Assisi, Italy, for an international peace meeting organized by Franciscan Brother Thomas Freidel. The event featured representatives from various religions and Christian denominations, including Patriarch Bartholomous of Constantinople and Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm. Although Pope Leo was absent due to recent lung surgery, he participated via video message. The gathering emphasized interreligious dialogue, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s historical encounter with the Sultan of Egypt. Attendees lit lights for peace, aiming to foster global harmony through prayer and networking among diverse faith communities.
Fabio Attard, rector major of the Salesians, welcomed a delegation of approximately 50 Ukrainian veterans, many with amputations, at the congregation's headquarters in Rome on October 27. The group, part of the Pokrova AMP football team for amputees, is undergoing rehabilitation through sports. The visit included a pilgrimage to Fano for a championship, meetings with Italian church leaders in Bologna, and an audience with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The Salesians aim to support the veterans' dignity and social reintegration through spiritual and human aid. The delegation also visited Turin to continue their journey of hope and recovery.
Approximately 5,000 people from various faiths gathered in Assisi, Italy, for a three-day interreligious meeting titled 'Unarmed and Disarming Peace.' The event commemorated the 40th anniversary of the 1986 prayer day initiated by Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi warned against justifying violence, while Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I emphasized the need to disarm oneself before others. Pope Leo XIV sent a video message condemning holy wars and calling for dialogue. Hiroshima survivor Koko Kondo urged youth to build a world free from war. The next meeting is scheduled for Genoa in 2027.
Milan and Brazil are commemorating Marcello Candia, an Italian businessman and missionary who died in 1983, on the 110th anniversary of his birth. According to Vatican News, Candia established medical and social facilities in Macapa and Marituba, Brazil, to aid the poor and those with leprosy. The Marcello Candia Foundation, founded in 1982, continues to fund these Amazonian projects. Events in Milan included a conference at Palazzo Marino and a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mario Delpini. Alberto Scotti of Assocandia stated the foundation aims to sustain this humanitarian work. Candia is recognized for promoting lay missionary involvement and was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in 2014.
The Ecumenical Patriarch visited Rome, holding private meetings with the Pope and the Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. These audiences received little publicity, reflecting the normalized state of Catholic-Orthodox relations after decades of leadership. Despite his advanced age, the patriarch remains a key figure in fostering unity between the churches, even as the Russian Orthodox Church creates division within Eastern Christianity. The low-key nature of the visits highlights the routine status of these diplomatic efforts.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was the guest of honor at an international meeting in Assisi, Italy, organized by the Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio. The event focused on achieving a disarmed peace. The Orthodox spiritual leader emphasized that the Church must proclaim peace alongside the Resurrection and rebuild relationships across divisions. He stated that human dignity is inherent regardless of skin color, language, or religion. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant’Egidio Community, praised Bartholomew’s decades of service and global influence. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline highlighted the Patriarchate’s role in fostering reconciliation. The meeting concluded with a video message from Pope Leo XIV, who could not attend due to health reasons.
Over 380 religious leaders from various faiths gathered in Assisi, Italy, from October 25 to 27 for a peace conference organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. Marking the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's historic peace day, participants issued an appeal stating that humanity must end wars or face their destruction. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi emphasized dialogue and the need to transform military spending into social welfare. The group delivered their message to children, calling for a culture of peace over conflict to address current humanitarian and climate crises. The event concluded with a symbolic lighting of candles at the Lower Basilica.
Cardinal Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, stated that the world still needs the 'Asisi method' to build peace. Speaking in Italy, he emphasized that religions cannot impose peace politically but can transform individuals internally. He highlighted the importance of joint witness by religious leaders, noting that united condemnation of violence is harder to ignore. Referencing Pope John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV, he argued that peace comes from God and requires religions to disarm from the logic of force. The Vatican official stressed that prayer and inner conversion are essential for lasting dialogue and conflict resolution.
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