Pope Leo XIV has authorized emergency financial aid for flood victims in Nepal. The funds, managed by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and coordinated with the Apostolic Nunciature, will support Caritas Nepal. The disaster has killed over 630 people and left approximately 3,000 missing. Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín stated the donation meets urgent needs and shows the Pope’s closeness to those affected. Rescue efforts continue in the hardest-hit areas, including attempts to free individuals trapped in a hydroelectric tunnel. Additionally, the Italian Episcopal Conference announced a separate 500,000 euro contribution for humanitarian emergencies in Nepal and other regions.
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Pope Leo XIV met with a delegation of 26 members from the US branch of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul on August 28 in the Vatican. Speaking in English, the Pope emphasized that prayer and social justice are inseparable. He stated that charitable service purifies the heart and helps believers recognize Christ in those in need. The Pontiff thanked the volunteers for their generous service and faithful witness, noting that such engagement is sustained only through a relationship with the Lord. He referenced his apostolic exhortation on loving the poor and asked the group to convey his greetings to their colleagues and the people they assist across the United States.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 5 outlets
The International Mission Board has released a biographical flyer in French about Lottie Moon. The resource explains who she was and why the international missions offering bears her name. It highlights how her faith and advocacy changed Southern Baptists' views on supporting global missions. The flyer is available as a digital download in multiple languages, while the physical version is offered only in English. This material aims to educate readers about her historical impact on missionary work.
France is experiencing unprecedented generosity ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Sept. 25-28 visit, the first papal journey to the country since 2008. According to the National Catholic Register, the Archdiocese of Paris has received approximately 2 million euros in donations, with an average gift of 200 euros. Sylvie Bretones, who oversees the fundraising, notes that many donors are unfamiliar to the church, including those seeking spirituality. This financial support covers costs estimated at 20 million euros, as the French government only provides security. The enthusiasm extends to event registrations, with tickets for the youth vigil at the Stade de France selling out quickly. The Pope’s recent encyclical on artificial intelligence is cited as a factor driving this renewed interest.
A missionary sister from the Democratic Republic of Congo serves as an educator in a city in northern Italy. Born in Africa, she relocated to Europe in 2012 to answer a religious calling. The Vatican News article highlights her work in early childhood education and training young women in religious life. She focuses on providing love, safety, and support to children and families. Her mission demonstrates a global shift where the Church sends missionaries from the Global South to Western regions. The sister emphasizes patience and personal witness in her daily service.
Following a glacial outburst flood in a district of Nepal, several church aid organizations have initiated emergency relief efforts. The disaster destroyed villages and infrastructure, leaving over 1,300 people missing. Major international Catholic and Protestant relief agencies have provided immediate funding and supplies. A representative from Caritas International confirmed that teams are distributing food and assessing needs in the affected regions. Another church leader described the situation as devastating. One organization is supporting hundreds of people in a neighboring district with water and hygiene products. The incident highlights the urgent need for improved early warning systems in the geologically active region.
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Pope Leo XIV addressed attendees of the Addiction in Latin America meeting at the Vatican on Thursday. He emphasized that strong families provide the best protection against drug use. The pontiff called for cooperation between faith, science, and international organizations to support those struggling with addiction and poverty. A delegation from Argentina, led by Bishop Eduardo García of San Justo, participated in the event organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. The Pope highlighted the need for the Church to accompany suffering families and build bridges between different sectors to promote recovery and human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV urged the immediate release of hostages in a Haitian city following a massacre, according to Vatican News. The Pontiff also addressed deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet, where the death toll exceeds 700 and thousands remain missing. Through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the Vatican sent financial assistance to Caritas Nepal to support urgent relief efforts, including food and shelter. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin signed a telegram expressing sorrow over the destruction. The Pope additionally encouraged prayers for peace and highlighted the upcoming World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Cardinal Paul Richard Gallagher met with Catholic clergy and religious in Moscow, Russia, to encourage their apostolic service. He conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and emphasized the Church's role in building bridges of peace. The cardinal highlighted the importance of dialogue with other Christians and religions, urging the community to act as witnesses of charity. He stressed that true unity requires respecting differences while seeking common ground. The gathering aimed to strengthen faith and promote a culture of non-violence and reconciliation in the region.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit France from September 25 to 28, marking the first papal apostolic journey to the country in 18 years. The itinerary includes Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, with a major vigil at the Stade de France near Paris on September 25. Organizers report that 80,000 spots for the event filled within an hour, indicating strong interest among French youth. The Pope will also meet with new Catholics and students. According to Vatican News, the visit aims to encourage faith, with themes drawn from the Gospel of John. Groups like La Cité Celeste are actively preparing young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods for the encounter.
Pope Leo XIV expressed sadness over catastrophic mudslides and floods in Nepal that killed 168 people and left over 1,300 missing. Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent a telegram on the pontiff’s behalf, offering prayers for the deceased and rescue workers. The disaster, caused by a glacial collapse near the China border, confirmed earlier warnings about accelerating Himalayan glacier melt. Father Silas Krishna Bogati, Nepal’s apostolic administrator, described the event as the country’s worst historical disaster. Catholic Relief Services is coordinating with local partners to assess urgent needs and support affected communities in the region.
Pope Leo XIV received a delegation of fourteen Lutheran bishops from Norway on August 26 in the Paul VI Hall. The pontiff stated that the world is experiencing a turbulent period and called for concrete paths of reconciliation and fraternity. He emphasized that kindness and charity have the power to disarm hostility, noting that small gestures can build unity and peace. The Pope thanked the visitors for their desire to strengthen Christian communion and cited Norwegian saints Olav and Sunniva as examples of service. The meeting highlights ongoing efforts to foster mutual understanding and joint work for justice between Catholic and Lutheran communities in the Vatican.
The Community of Sant'Egidio has delivered a container of food and medicine to a city in Cuba, addressing a severe humanitarian crisis driven by inflation and poverty. The community's head in Cuba stated that the aid helps vulnerable groups, including the homeless and elderly, despite significant logistical hurdles like fuel shortages and US embargo restrictions. The organization also provides training and medical care. The leader emphasized that global indifference and romanticized views of the island obscure the desperate reality faced by Cubans who fear the situation will worsen.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 2 outlets
Hundreds have died and many more were injured in Nepal following devastating flash floods triggered by a Himalayan glacier collapse near the Chinese border. Caritas Nepal, led by its executive director, is distributing essential supplies to displaced communities in affected districts. The organization faces significant challenges due to destroyed infrastructure, including collapsed bridges and roads, which hinder access to impacted areas. Despite these obstacles, Caritas continues to provide food, shelter, and medical aid, coordinating with local authorities and military personnel conducting rescue operations. The disaster has left thousands missing, and the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 2 outlets
Mgr Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, visited the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia. He was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Giovanni d’Aniello and welcomed by Igor Yakimchuk of the Russian Orthodox Church. This visit followed a meeting with Metropolitan Antonij on August 25. The delegation toured the historic building, which was originally built in the 19th century, destroyed by Soviet authorities in 1931, and rebuilt in the 1990s. According to the report, the archbishop viewed historical artifacts and prayed before the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir. The visit highlights ongoing diplomatic and religious engagement between the Holy See and the Russian Orthodox Church in the capital.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 4 outlets
Representatives from Latin America and other regions gathered in Rome from August 25 to 27 for a meeting on faith-based responses to drug addiction and the criminal recruitment of young people. Organized by CELAM, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and the OAS, the event aims to develop community-centered support methods. Participants will present conclusions to Pope Leo XIV. The initiative emphasizes social integration, family support, and collaboration between religious groups and scientific experts to protect vulnerable youth from organized crime.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, issued a message on August 26 regarding the start of the school year in the Holy Land. He emphasized that Christian schools must serve as pillars of presence and be signs of hope for children affected by death, displacement, and destruction. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land highlighted that these institutions foster coexistence and respect among different religious traditions. Pizzaballa urged educators to preserve the Christian identity of schools through patience and courage, ensuring religious education leads to a personal understanding of faith. He concluded by thanking educators and praying for children lacking safety and education.
Approximately 1,000 young people from across Europe are meeting in Budapest, Hungary, from August 28 to 30 for the International Youth for Peace event. Organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the gathering includes delegates from fourteen countries, including 35 Belgians and 150 Ukrainians from cities like Kyiv and Lviv. Participants will share experiences regarding war, migration, and climate change to promote dialogue and solidarity. The event features Marco Impagliazzo, president of Sant'Egidio, and concludes with a symbolic march on Margareten Island to oppose violence and racism. The Community of Sant'Egidio also supports Ukrainian refugees through food and medical aid, with recent contributions from Belgium.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 4 outlets
Aid to the Church in Need International·🇮🇩 Indonesia·
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Flores on August 15, killing at least 70 people and injuring over 1,000. Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng reported that local dioceses immediately provided tents, medical support, and spiritual care to victims. Aid to the Church in Need confirmed it is distributing essential goods like food and medicine to the dioceses of Ruteng and Labuan Bajo. The organization also plans to evaluate requests for rebuilding damaged churches. This disaster follows recent quakes in Venezuela and Colombia, highlighting ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.
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