Nine people were killed in a terror attack on a Greek Orthodox church in a village in Jordan. Pope Leo offered prayers for the victims following his Sunday Angelus address. The assault occurred near the main entrance of the church, where worshippers had gathered. According to authorities, three attackers arrived in a blue van; one was masked and armed with an assault rifle, while the others carried handguns. Al Jazeera reported that the gunmen fired repeatedly, even shooting at those already on the ground. Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki expressed shock and solidarity with Jordanian Christians, calling for a thorough investigation and better protection for religious sites.
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The World Meeting for Peace in Assisi, Italy, resumed on Monday with lectures and 16 interreligious discussion forums. Participants included representatives from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh communities, alongside scientists and NGO leaders. The Gates Foundation also sent speakers. The event marks the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's 1986 gathering. German attendees included Thomas Rachel and Matthias Kopp. Topics covered religion's role in peace, technology, and climate change. Pope Leo XIV cannot attend due to cancer recovery but will send a message. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios I leads Christian representatives in the Pope's absence. The event concludes Tuesday with a joint prayer.
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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.
Conservative opposition lawmakers in Lithuania have introduced a bill targeting the local diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate. The proposal aims to revoke traditional status for religious groups linked to sanctioned states, citing national security concerns. It would designate the Lithuanian Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople as the sole recognized Orthodox body, transferring cathedrals and churches to its control. MP Audronius Ažubalis argues this prevents Kremlin influence. Bishop Ambrosius of the Vilnius diocese denies security risks, stating his clergy oppose the Ukraine war. He warns the measure could cause social division and conflict.
The Catholic aid organization Misereor welcomed Lula da Silva's re-election as president of Brazil, calling it a sign of democratic strength. Regina Reinart stated that local partners are relieved but cautious, as Amazon protection and human rights remain at risk. Flávio Bolsonaro rejected the results, demanding annulment due to voting irregularities. Experts warn that a conservative Congress will limit Lula's ability to implement promised social and environmental reforms. Misereor and Adveniat urge the German government and EU to support democracy and minority rights in Latin America amid ongoing tensions.
Heiner Wilmer, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, called for a determined effort to protect global peace during a speech in Bonn. He highlighted the return of brutal wars and the misuse of God's name to justify violence. His remarks preceded an interreligious peace meeting in Assisi, Italy, marking the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's historic gathering. Over 5,000 participants from 53 countries are expected. Pope Leo XIV canceled his attendance due to surgery but will send a message. Wilmer emphasized that inner disarmament is necessary to break the logic of violence and invited believers to pray for peace.
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Thousands of people are gathering in Assisi, Italy, for an international peace meeting organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. The event marks the 40th anniversary of the interreligious peace initiatives originally launched by Pope John Paul II in 1986. Cesare Zucconi, the community's secretary general, emphasizes that dialogue is essential to counter rising global conflicts and military escalation. Participants will focus on the theme of unarmed peace, aiming to break cycles of hatred through diplomacy. The gathering expects over 5,000 attendees from around the world to promote reconciliation and highlight the role of religion in fostering peace rather than violence.
Several US Catholic bishops have distanced themselves from the White House after a prayer meeting with President Donald Trump was used for political promotion. Denver Archbishop James R. Golka stated he never intended to endorse the Republican president, while Bishop William Joensen expressed regret for being naive. The bishops claim they were asked to support Trump without their knowledge and that video footage was published without permission. This controversy arises just before the midterm elections on November 3. The White House defended the interaction, highlighting Trump's record on religious rights, but the church leaders insist their participation was strictly spiritual and not political.
Approximately 4,000 people attended the Christian worship event Praise United at the Messe Chemnitz on October 24. The gathering moved from the Neveon Arena in Burkhardtsdorf, where attendance had previously capped at 1,400, to the larger venue in Chemnitz. Organizers from the INSEL faith center and the Evangelical Youth Annaberg reported that the event has grown into a regional meeting point for Christians in Saxony and neighboring states. The high turnout caused traffic congestion near an Autobahn junction. Moderator Daniel Neubert from Halle an der Saale emphasized unity in Jesus Christ as the central theme. The next event is scheduled for April 2027.
Following an attack in Jordan, authorities arrested three suspects. Approximately 5,000 people gathered to show solidarity with the victims, including the royal couple and numerous Muslim mourners. A spokesperson for the World Evangelical Alliance explained the significance of this unity for the Christian community. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region and the strong interfaith support demonstrated by the public.
The German Catholic Congress donated approximately 16,000 euros to the Climate Collection to offset carbon emissions from its event in Würzburg. According to the organization, the funds will finance energy-efficient cooking stoves in Kenya. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gases, improve household air quality, and support local development by easing the burden on women and reducing deforestation. The donation includes contributions from participants and the organizing association, reflecting a commitment to climate protection and social equity in southern countries.
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Following a shooting attack on a funeral in a village in Jordan, which killed eight people and injured forty, German Catholic bishops called for solidarity. Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki stated that terrorism is unjustifiable and demanded better protection for church facilities. The attack occurred in a governorate in Jordan. The King of Jordan condemned the act as terrorism and promised severe retaliation. Local religious leaders and officials also denounced the violence, emphasizing that it contradicts religious teachings and aims to divide society. The victims were identified as martyrs by the royal family.
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On October 25, the Catholic Church in Regensburg, Germany, celebrated the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday. Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer, missio Munich president Wolfgang Huber, and Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana of Madagaskar closed the nationwide campaign. Huber emphasized that Catholic aid is vital for impoverished families in Madagaskar lacking state support. Bavarian Minister Christian Bernreiter stressed that solidarity transcends distance. The Pauline Jaricot Prize was awarded to Sister Rolandine Razafiarisoa for her work with disadvantaged youth. The event highlights the global reach of Catholic solidarity efforts organized by missio Aachen and missio Munich.
Juan Francisco García Pérez, a 32-year-old priest originally from El Salvador, has served in Madagascar for several years. He currently leads the parish in Kimony, located in the Morondava diocese on the island's west coast. The priest emphasizes the need for close personal contact with believers to provide tangible signs of love. He highlights severe poverty, water scarcity, and climate change impacts, such as deforestation and storms, affecting the local population. García Pérez collaborates with nuns to support education and health initiatives. He advocates for the community through the missio campaign for World Mission Sunday, aiming to help residents achieve self-sufficiency despite financial constraints.
Victims of a Christian church attack in Jordan were buried in a village on Sunday. The death toll rose to nine after one injured person died on Saturday. The attack occurred in a specific province. The Prime Minister opened a cabinet meeting with a prayer for the deceased. He stated that the government is working to catch those responsible. The Prime Minister also condemned the spread of Islamism that labels others as unbelievers, emphasizing that such extremism has no place in Jordanian society. State television broadcast the transfer of the coffins live.
The Catholic Church is celebrating the centenary of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. The initiative aimed to coordinate fragmented missionary efforts and reduce colonial influences. Today, organizations like missio Aachen emphasize equal partnership with communities in the Global South. Dirk Bingener, president of missio Aachen, states that local partners now jointly decide how funds are used. The movement has shifted from European dominance to mutual respect, with increasing missionary activity from Africa and Asia to Europe. This evolution reflects a broader change in mindset toward sustainable, collaborative development.
Representatives of various religions are meeting in Assisi, Italy, for an international peace conference. Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for peace in Rome but will not attend the event in person due to a recent lung operation. The gathering, held under the theme of disarmed peace, marks the 40th anniversary of the first such initiative by Pope John Paul II. Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I is the highest-ranking Christian leader present. German Bishop Heiner Wilmer and Thomas Rachel, the German government's envoy for religious freedom, also attend. The participants plan to issue a peace appeal to the world, emphasizing the need to counter violence and the misuse of religious names.
The Catholic Church marks the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday in 2026. Pope Pius XI established the observance in 1926, and it was first held in Germany that same year. This year, the focus is on Madagascar, the priority country for the international aid organizations missio Aachen and missio Munich. While many parishes worldwide celebrated on October 18, German communities observe the day on October 25. The commemoration includes a month-long campaign ending with a nationwide collection and a closing service at Regensburg Cathedral. The event supports social and pastoral work in the world's poorest dioceses.
The Polish bishops' conference condemned two abortion law proposals passed by the Sejm in Poland. Speaking in Zakopane, the bishops argued that the parliamentary debate itself signaled societal approval of abortions, which they described as morally indifferent. They urged respect for unborn life and called for concrete support for women in difficult situations. One bill would allow abortions in cases of severe fetal abnormalities, a rule previously struck down by the constitutional court. The other seeks to decriminalize assistance with illegal abortions. President Karol Nawrocki is expected to veto the measures, as a supermajority to override him is unlikely. Poland currently maintains one of Europe's strictest abortion laws.
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