Pope Leo addressed the 144th General Assembly of the Columbus Fellowship in Denver, Colorado, via video message on July 28. He urged the group to act as prophets of reconciliation in a divided world by building bridges and promoting peace. The Pope emphasized that unity is a gift requiring humble dialogue and that charity strengthens community bonds. He thanked the organization for continuing the mission of Blessed Michael McGivney, supporting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, refugees, and the poor. He concluded by asking for the intercession of Mary and McGivney.
Vatican News reports that an official song has been unveiled for the World Youth Day festival in Seoul, South Korea. The anthem, titled 'I Have Conquered the World,' draws from John 16:33 and was selected from 434 submissions. It is composed by Korean musician Francis Gion Kim and translated into six languages. The event is scheduled for July 27 to August 2, 2019. Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek stated that preparations are underway to welcome hundreds of thousands of young Catholics, marking the second such celebration in Asia since 1995.
Sister Abi Avellino, an international coordinator for Tallita Kum, stated that no person should be treated as property or merchandise. Speaking to Vatican News ahead of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, she highlighted that modern slavery affects approximately 50 million people globally, generating over 236 billion dollars annually. Her organization’s 2025 report notes a 29.6 percent increase in assistance provided to victims compared to the previous year. Avellino emphasized that digital platforms are increasingly used to lure young people into exploitation. She called for education, survivor support, and systemic changes to address root causes like poverty and conflict.
The Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization reports that Pope Leo XIV’s charity initiatives are delivering food, medicine, and support to victims of conflict and natural disasters worldwide. During a visit to Madrid, Spain, on May 29, 2018, officials highlighted ongoing efforts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon. The organization also assists refugees in Cyprus and Bangladesh, and provides relief after floods in Haiti, earthquakes in Venezuela, and storms in Madagascar and Argentina. Bishop Louis Marie de Saint Martin emphasized that aid reaches those in urgent need without borders, addressing both immediate suffering and the root causes of poverty through compassionate action.
A priest highlighted escalating violence and bloodshed in a contested region, describing it as deeply divided and suffering from continuous attacks. He noted that residents face severe restrictions, lack of medical care, and an inability to travel safely. The priest emphasized the urgent need for all parties, including those committing violence and neutral observers, to heed Pope Leo's repeated calls to halt the conflict. He expressed hope that upcoming elections in the area might bring justice and a new balance for both populations.
Missionary sisters from Mozambique, currently receiving training in a European country, sent a message to their compatriots emphasizing hope and prayer during difficult times. According to Vatican News, the nuns stated that individuals must contribute to peace by becoming agents of reconciliation. The sisters highlighted the value of ongoing formation for their mission. They noted that training abroad helps them support their home country by gaining skills to assist those in need. The message encourages young people not to lose hope despite challenges like unemployment and conflict, urging them to pray and work for peace.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited Ukraine on July 8, 2026, to promote peace and humanitarian aid. He first traveled to Lviv, where he met with local officials and visited a camp for prisoners of war. Before heading to Kyiv, he prayed for a just peace, the return of captives, and the reunion of separated children. In Kyiv, he attended a service at Saint Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Cardinal honored war victims and prayed for leaders to find a path to justice, continuing efforts initiated by Pope Francis.
In a village in Pakistan, Muslim leaders and students intervened to protect Christian families from violence following false rumors about Quran desecration. Na'im Yousaf Gill, director of the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission, told Vatican News that this rapid cooperation prevented an attack. He praised the decisive action of authorities and religious figures but warned that Christians still face discrimination and vulnerability. Gill emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and public awareness campaigns to address prejudice and ensure long-term safety for minority communities in the region.
Father Antonio Rela, a parish priest in La Guaira, Venezuela, emphasized that prayers for the earthquake victims must not cease. Speaking fifteen days after the devastating tremor, he described widespread destruction and ongoing struggles for food, water, and income. While his church serves as a relief hub, neighboring areas face severe damage. He highlighted the critical need for sustained humanitarian aid and spiritual support for traumatized residents. Father Rela urged the global community to maintain their support and continue praying for Venezuela as recovery efforts remain challenging.
The Holy See emphasized the need for universal access to HIV and AIDS care during a high-level UN meeting. The Vatican’s permanent observer stated that while progress has been made since 2010, many developing nations still lack life-saving treatment. The envoy highlighted that 12 percent of HIV-related deaths involve children due to persistent gaps in testing and care. The statement called for continued financial support for health systems and research, urging that no community be left behind, particularly vulnerable mothers and infants.
Following a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, the Sisters of the Poor of St. Joseph have established a field hospital in La Guaira. Sister Maria Reida Mora Sanchez, the group's leader, explained that the San Jose Hospital suffered structural damage and is no longer safe. The organization is now providing medical care from tents and temporary shelters. They are addressing urgent needs for clean water, food, and medication for survivors. The group also visits displacement camps and coordinates with other health associations to support the community during this humanitarian crisis.
Pope Leo addressed a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Vatican City, inviting all Christians to celebrate the Second Great Jubilee in 2033. He emphasized that this event marks the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s redemption and calls for unity among believers. The Pope highlighted his strong relationship with Patriarch Bartholomew, noting their shared commitment to Christian unity and peace. He urged Christians to serve as credible witnesses of peace in a divided world, stressing the importance of cooperation, respect for human dignity, and care for creation. The celebration aims to reinforce the Nicene Creed as a foundation for ecumenical progress.
Pope Leo XIV spoke to the executive board of the UN World Food Program in Rome on Monday, June 15, 2018. He stated that conflicts are growing faster than people, causing severe hunger and displacement. The Pope thanked the agency for saving lives but emphasized that basic needs like food and water must not be subject to geopolitical interests. He called for renewed multilateral cooperation to address root causes of famine and prevent humanitarian crises from worsening. The Catholic Church supports these efforts through its charitable networks.
Translated from አማርኛ
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