The Pope expressed deep concern regarding renewed violence in a region of Ethiopia, including neighboring areas. He issued a heartfelt appeal for all parties to choose dialogue, stating that armed conflict only deepens problems and leads to death and destruction. The Pope emphasized that lasting peace comes only through sincere participation. He also expressed hope that the international community would provide timely humanitarian aid to those suffering. Reports indicate that clashes between local forces and the military have intensified in specific districts and along borders, causing rising tensions.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, traveled to Russia from September 28 to 30 as a papal envoy appointed by Pope Leo XIV. According to Vatican News, the visit aims to advocate for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children separated from their families. Zuppi stated that the Holy See is assessing requests from both Ukrainian and Russian sides to continue humanitarian dialogue. This marks his third mission to Russia, following previous appointments by Pope Francis. The trip follows a recent visit by Archbishop Paul Gallagher to discuss peace with Russian officials.
Pope Leo XIV honored the Polish martyrs of Pratulin during a general audience in Vatican City. He praised Wincenty Lewoniuk and his twelve companions for defending their Catholic faith and unity with the Pope against Russian imperial pressure in 1874. The pontiff committed the cause of persecuted Christians to their intercession. The martyrs, who were killed while praying in the snow, symbolize fidelity to the Church. This tribute echoes the beatification by John Paul II thirty years ago, emphasizing the call for Christian unity.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 3 outlets
Archbishop Christophe Z. El Kassis, representing the Holy See at the United Nations, addressed the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration in New York on September 28. He highlighted the document's concern regarding religious intolerance and violence against Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The Archbishop cited Pope Leo XIV’s message on digital media, urging that human rights frameworks must address new forms of exclusion caused by technology. He emphasized that respect for human dignity is essential for building a just international community, rejecting all forms of racism and discrimination.
Translated from KiswahiliAlso reported by 3 outlets
Father Adrian Mantykiewicz returned to the altar in Jaroslaw, Poland, two days after a knife attack that killed Father Stanislaw Zbojniewicz and wounded him. During a Mass on September 26, Mantykiewicz publicly forgave the suspect, a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen, and urged Poles not to blame Ukrainians for the crime. Prosecutors have charged the suspect, identified as Ihor M., with murder and attempted murder. A court ordered his detention in a hospital due to acute psychotic symptoms. Mantykiewicz emphasized solidarity between Poles and Ukrainians, recalling the abbey's past support for refugees. The victim's funeral is scheduled for late September.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ben Dove on UnsplashPersecuted church
The late Argentine priest Carlos Miguel Buela, founder of the Institutes of the Incarnate Word and the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, has been definitively found guilty of sexual abuse. Vatican tribunals established moral certainty regarding his responsibility for offenses against the sixth commandment. The decision was announced by pontifical delegates Sister Simona Brambilla, Bishop José Antonio Satué Huerto, and Sister Clara Echarte. The ruling concludes proceedings at two judicial levels and was communicated to superiors in Rome. The Holy See states the verdict aims to provide justice for victims and support the renewal of the institutes, which operate in Italy and Argentina among other countries.
A Ukrainian man killed a priest and injured four others, including two other clergy members, at a Benedictine abbey in Jaroslaw, Poland. The attacker entered the facility around 9:30 a.m. by exploiting the opening of a gate for schoolchildren. According to the outlet, the assailant stabbed Father Adrian and Father Stanislaw, who later died from his wounds. Police detained the suspect, identified by media as Ihor M., who had arrived from Germany. The motive remains unclear, though witnesses suggest he was previously rejected by the religious community. The incident has shocked the nation and intensified political tensions regarding Ukrainian refugees ahead of upcoming elections.
Translated from ItalianoAlso reported by 6 outlets
Pope Leo XIV visited Metz, France, on September 28 for an interreligious meeting at the Robert Schuman Convention Center. During this final day of his apostolic journey, he emphasized that dialogue strengthens identity rather than weakening it. Religious leaders signed the Metz Call, committing to work together for peace, justice, and human dignity. The Pope condemned using religion to justify violence, calling it a profanation. He urged communities to protect vulnerable people and educate youth. The event highlights a shared responsibility among faiths to foster fraternity and reject discrimination in a polarized world.
Zambian police arrested Alick Banda, the Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka, on September 28 for allegedly possessing a Toyota Hilux illegally. The vehicle was reportedly given by former President Edgar Lungu. Banda, who supported opposition candidate Brian Mundubile in August's election, was released on bail pending a November trial. The arrest follows a series of detentions of critics of President Hakainde Hichilema. Opposition figures, including Mundubile, have faced charges and violence since the vote. Amnesty International condemned recent passport cancellations of opponents abroad as an attempt to silence dissent, raising concerns about democratic backsliding in Zambia.
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British leaders urged calm on Sunday as tensions escalated in Portadown, Northern Ireland, where protesters blocked an authorized Orange Order march. The procession, permitted for the first time since 1997, aimed to cross the Garvaghy Road Catholic area. Despite a surprise court ruling allowing the event, thousands of demonstrators prevented the group from advancing. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant called for stability, fearing a reversal of peace progress. Sinn Fein leaders Michelle O'Neill and Mary Lou McDonald condemned the decision, citing sectarian harassment concerns. The incident highlights ongoing divisions between unionists and republicans in the region.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 3 outlets
Sri Lanka’s High Court in Colombo has sentenced 15 men to prison terms ranging from 200 to 260 years for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The verdict, delivered on September 22, marks the first convictions directly linked to the attacks that killed 279 people at three churches and three hotels. Fourteen defendants were convicted on all counts, including murder and terrorism conspiracy, while one received a partial conviction. Prosecutors identified preacher Mohamed Naufar as the ringleader. Church officials welcomed the ruling but continue to demand accountability for those who ordered the attacks, noting that intelligence failures contributed to the tragedy.
Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with seven sexual abuse survivors in Lourdes, France, during his four-day visit beginning Friday. The French Bishops’ Conference selected the individuals, a decision criticized by advocates who argue the group was chosen by church leaders rather than victims. Survivors stated they do not represent all victims and demand concrete action beyond dialogue. Critics note the French Church acknowledged 330,000 abuse cases in a 2021 report. Activists also urge President Emmanuel Macron to address ongoing impunity, citing low conviction rates for child sexual violence in France.
A new report by Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace highlights systemic discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan during 2025. The document, shared with Aid to the Church in Need, cites murders, forced conversions, and misuse of blasphemy laws. Eight Christians were acquitted of blasphemy charges, and the government claims it is introducing procedural safeguards. However, violence against women and girls remains a critical concern, with authorities sometimes complicit in abductions. Bishop Samson Shukardin warns that official rhetoric renders minorities invisible. ACN ranks Pakistan as a country of persecution.
The World Council of Churches and the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations have issued a joint appeal regarding the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, Ukraine. They state that Russian forces are blocking the city, leaving civilians without food, water, electricity, or medicine since late May 2026. Bishop Prof. Dr. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm condemned the blockade, noting that residents are starving and evacuation is denied. The groups urge an immediate end to the siege to prevent mass loss of life, accusing Russian authorities of exploiting the situation for propaganda while denying humanitarian access.
A priest was killed and four others, including two fellow clergy members, were seriously injured during a knife attack at a Benedictine monastery in Jaroslaw, Poland. The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the site of a retreat center and educational facility. Archbishop Adam Szal of Przemysl confirmed the tragedy and called for prayers. Police arrested a 31-year-old suspect holding an Ukrainian passport. Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the brutal assault. Details regarding the motive remain unclear at this time.
France's Independent Instance for Recognition and Repair (Inirr) has submitted its final report to Cardinal Aveline, marking the end of its five-year mission. The body, created by the French Bishops' Conference to support victims of sexual abuse within the Church, received nearly 2,000 requests. President Marie Derain de Vaucresson emphasized the importance of independence in fostering trust and facilitating financial and symbolic reparations. Although activity increased significantly in 2025, the instance is closing to make way for a new entity, Iniave, led by magistrate Sophie Darbois. Inirr will continue supporting existing cases until the end of 2027. The initiative aims to provide a sense of justice and recognition for survivors.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 3 outlets
Aid to the Church in Need International·🇩🇿 Algeria·
A bishop in Algeria reports that administrative hurdles prevent religious women from joining a restored house in a southern region. Although the building is ready, candidates cannot obtain visas. The bishop hopes the Pope’s recent visit will help unblock these bureaucratic issues and raise awareness of the local Church. He notes that the visit strengthened the small Christian community, composed mainly of foreign workers, by reaffirming their connection to the universal Church amidst a predominantly Muslim population. The bishop emphasizes patience and hope for future vocations in the Sahara region.
A pastor and a church worker were killed in a village in northern Nigeria after being ambushed by Fulani militants. The pastor's son survived with critical bullet injuries. A reporter stated that five other Christians died in the same region the previous day. As the reporter and his team approached the scene to cover the earlier massacre, gunfire erupted, forcing him to film the attack while under fire. The reporter stated that 13 people have been killed in the area in just a few days, with daily reports of ongoing violence affecting the local Christian community.
Five women accusing former Jesuit Marko Rupnik of abuse have sent an open letter to Pope Leo XIV. They are based in Vatican City and Slovenia, seeking a fair and transparent legal process. The victims criticize the lack of information from the Vatican regarding the ongoing case handled by a special court. They argue that the current silence discourages other survivors from reporting crimes. The letter coincides with the Pope's upcoming visit to Lourdes, France, where Rupnik created mosaics that have been covered. The women request that the Pope exercise his authority to ensure justice and truth for all victims of clerical abuse.
Translated from DeutschAlso reported by 2 outlets
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