Five Franciscan friars who died in 1597 were beatified in Savannah, Georgia, on October 31, 2026. Cardinal Frank Leo celebrated Mass in the name of Pope Leo XIV. The missionaries were killed during an indigenous uprising in Spanish Florida after refusing to compromise on Christian marriage teachings. The ceremony honored their witness of faith and martyrdom, which the Church recognizes as a testament to their heroic virtue and love for Christ.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 10 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Sviatoslav, thanked those who helped evacuate residents from Oleshky, a city on occupied territory where people had been starving for months. He emphasized that many similar cities exist under occupation and urged the world to remember human rights violations, including torture and religious persecution. The Patriarch also expressed gratitude for the visit of Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, who traveled to Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Kyiv. Additionally, he condemned a recent Russian missile strike on a train station in Dnipro on October 29, which killed 15 people and injured over 15 others, including an 11-year-old boy.
Archbishop Luis Marina de San Martín, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited Ukraine from October 27 to 30, 2026. Accompanied by Dr. Massimo Ralli and Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas, the delegation traveled approximately 2,800 kilometers. They visited twelve Catholic charitable organizations in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Shchaslyve, Poltava, and Fastiv. The group delivered winter clothing, blankets, and food collected from Vatican staff. The visit aimed to show solidarity with war victims and displaced persons, ensuring they knew they were not alone in their suffering, according to the Dicastery's report.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Representatives of Caritas Ukraine greeted residents evacuated from Oleshky at the border with Belarus. According to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church's information department, Caritas specialists worked with the Office of the Ukrainian Ombudsman over the past week to assess needs and arrange departures to government-controlled territory. At the border, a warm tent provided SIM cards, food, internet, and psychological support. The organization also arranged transport for relatives meeting the evacuees. Upon arrival in Ukraine, individuals were taken to a hospital, where Caritas will continue to assist with their adaptation.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (VRCiRO) issued a statement on October 31 thanking those involved in the humanitarian mission to Oleshky in the Kherson region. The council expressed gratitude to Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, his team, and Western partners, particularly the United States, for facilitating agreements between Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen. The mission relied on a ceasefire to deliver aid and evacuate residents. VRCiRO praised Pope Leo XIV and expressed hope that this model could be applied to other areas, while reaffirming prayers for an end to the war.
Archbishop Luis Marin de San Martin, the Vatican’s Apostolic Almoner, concluded his visit to Ukraine on October 30, 2026. Despite overnight missile and drone attacks in Kyiv that forced the delegation into shelters, the group visited several charitable facilities. They met with residents at a Mother Teresa sisters’ home for vulnerable people and a DePole Ukraine shelter for displaced persons. The delegation also traveled to Fastiv to meet mothers of fallen soldiers and visited a Dominican center providing food and aid. The Almoner delivered gifts from the Pope to support ongoing winter relief efforts before departing for Poland. According to Vatican News, the visit highlighted the Church’s solidarity with those affected by the war.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
On October 29, a papal envoy visited Zaporizhzhia and Poltava in Ukraine to deliver humanitarian assistance to war-affected communities. According to Vatican News, the delegation met with displaced persons and those suffering from food shortages. In Zaporizhzhia, the envoy supported the Apostolic Almoner’s efforts to distribute bread and canned goods, including a donated oven used by Catholic and Protestant groups. The visit also included a stop at a humanitarian center in the Donetsk Exarchate, where aid was provided for a sheltered school and kindergarten. In Poltava, funds were left to help refugees with essential supplies like medicine and winter clothing, as reported by RISU.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Papal Almoner Archbishop Luis Marina de San Martín visited a Ukrainian Greek Catholic parish in Shchaslyve, Ukraine, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. The visit aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's closeness to those suffering from the war and to observe church charity work. Father Hryhoriy Berezhyk presented the War Wounds Healing Center, supported by the Patriarchal Foundation 'Wise Cause' and L'Œuvre d'Orient. The mission, lasting until October 30, includes stops in Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia to support communities affected by conflict.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A Mission Eurasia study reports that religious belief in Ukraine has strengthened despite Russian destruction of at least 737 places of worship. According to RISU, the share of self-identified believers rose from 68% to 74%, with the largest increase among 18-to-24-year-olds. Registered religious organizations also grew by nearly 10%. The article highlights pastor Mark Sergiyev, who continues serving in Kyiv after losing his church in Melitopol. Researchers note that faith provides psychological resilience and community support during the war, proving that Russia cannot destroy Ukrainian spiritual life.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
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On October 27, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I spoke at a peace forum in Assisi, Italy, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. He urged Christian churches to reject division and work toward full unity, stating that the Church must proclaim peace alongside the Resurrection. The Patriarch emphasized that using religion to justify violence is blasphemy and called for the protection of human dignity regardless of background. Attendees included Archbishop Sarah Mullally and various other religious leaders. The event marked the anniversary of a historic 1986 prayer meeting for peace.
Translated from УкраїнськаAlso reported by 2 outlets
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A papal envoy visited Caritas Spes Ukraine in Kyiv to discuss the ongoing war and humanitarian needs. The meeting included displaced women from Bakhmut who shared their experiences of loss and displacement. Participants included Caritas Spes Ukraine President Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi, Executive Director Father Vyacheslav Hrynevych, Deputy Executive Director Olena Voychyk, and Kyiv Director Father Andriy Peda. The envoy expressed solidarity with Ukrainians and support for the organization's work. The visit highlighted the Church's continued commitment to those affected by nearly five years of full-scale war, emphasizing compassion and shared burden.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Women of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Lviv participated in a training session focused on developing leadership skills for social service, according to Eleos-Ukraine. Trainer and psychologist Nataliia Bordun reported that participants were motivated to take initiative and organize larger community projects. The program, implemented by Eleos-Ukraine in partnership with Dan Church Aid and Norwegian Church Aid, aims to support mental health during the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the Norwegian government and conducted in cooperation with the Lviv Theological Seminary.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Papal Almoner, visited the UGCC Patriarchal Center in Kyiv on October 27. He was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas and UGCC Patriarchal Economist Fr. Lyubomyr Yavorsky. During the visit, the Archbishop met with Bishop Yosyf Milian and toured the center's social kitchen and media studio. According to RISU, the delegation aims to demonstrate Pope Leo XIV's support for Ukrainians suffering from war. The mission includes visits to Kyiv, Fastiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia until October 30. The group says the trip highlights the universal Church's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
A delegation from the World Council of Churches met with the State Service for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of Ukraine (Dess). Head of Dess Viktor Yelensky discussed Ukraine's religious pluralism, the role of churches in national defense, and interfaith relations. The WCC members explained their membership procedures. Topics included chaplaincy services, alternative military service, and believers in occupied territories. The meeting addressed potential Orthodox harmony and ecumenical movement perspectives. This dialogue highlights ongoing efforts to integrate Ukrainian religious structures into international ecumenical frameworks while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The religious community in the village of Romanivka, Zhytomyr region, has voted to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Archbishop Volodymyr announced the transition on October 26, following a unanimous vote by 41 residents on October 24. The decision was driven by dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, particularly regarding the refusal of its clergy to participate in mourning services for fallen soldiers. The former priest remained with the Moscow-linked church but vacated the building. New services will be conducted by Father Ivan Fatych three times a month. This marks the seventh congregation in the region to switch to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine since the start of 2026.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, addressed the Plenary Assembly of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe in Salzburg, Austria, from October 27 to 30. According to RISU, he thanked European bishops for supporting Ukrainian refugees and providing pastoral care. Shevchuk urged them not to tire of this solidarity, stating that Russia's war against Ukraine is a war against all of Europe. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis ahead as winter approaches, noting systematic attacks on infrastructure. The assembly also included representatives from Ukraine and other European countries, with a special prayer for peace held in Salzburg.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with Pope Leo XIV shortly after the pontiff's return from the hospital. The Patriarch expressed deep emotion that the Pope wished to hear Ukraine's voice during this time. The meeting highlighted the Pope's solidarity with the Ukrainian people and his advocacy for peace. Shevchuk thanked the Pope for his humanitarian diplomacy and warnings against the war. This discussion occurred following a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which damaged areas near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The church leader emphasized the importance of global Catholic support as Ukraine prepares for winter.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Metropolitan Epiphanius of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches in Kyiv. According to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the discussion focused on the religious and socio-political situation amid the ongoing Russian aggression. The delegation aims to better understand the Ukrainian church context as part of the review process for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine's application for membership. During the meeting, Metropolitan Epiphanius highlighted the spiritual significance of major Ukrainian shrines, including Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The group expressed hope that the visit would facilitate the collection of necessary information for their decision.
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.
Translated from Українська
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