Cardinal Mimmo Battaglia and President Sergio Mattarella attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Fondazione Con il Sud in Naples. The event took place at the Donnaregina complex. Battaglia thanked the President for his presence, highlighting the foundation's role in social inclusion and supporting vulnerable youth. He emphasized that solidarity is a shared responsibility to change lives and reduce inequalities in Southern Italy. The cardinal stated that the foundation brings together resources and ideas to create opportunities for those often left behind. He urged that common good and regional development remain priorities for the nation's future.
Hungary released the secret police files of the communist regime on November 4, marking the 70th anniversary of the Soviet suppression of the Hungarian Revolution. The Hungarian bishops stated that churches were primary targets, noting over 100 clergy were killed and thousands imprisoned during the dictatorship. While acknowledging that some priests collaborated with the state, the bishops apologized to victims and emphasized that responsibility lies with the party leadership. The publication includes a searchable portal for names of agents, aiming to foster reconciliation through truth about the past.
Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin parish priest of Taybeh in the West Bank, released a monthly report detailing October 2026 incidents. The document describes repeated assaults, olive thefts, and tree damage by settlers, which endanger local farmers' livelihoods. Specific events include an October 5 attack on harvesters and an October 17 incident involving European diplomats and French Mayor Bernard Baudoux. According to UN data cited in the report, settler violence has surged, marking the highest monthly toll since monitoring began in 2006. Holy Land Watcher urges diplomatic and human rights bodies to ensure safe access to agricultural lands and unrestricted ambulance access for injured residents.
On November 7, Catania will host a conference on shared responsibility in juvenile justice, organized by the archdiocese, Caritas, and the Ministry of Justice. Held at the Bishop's Palace, the event features officials including Archbishop Luigi Renna and magistrate Emma Seminara. The gathering highlights the Jobel project by Caritas, which provided vocational training in sewing, cooking, and photography to 21 young offenders. Results, including a photo book by Fabrizio Villa, will be presented. The event aims to strengthen community-based educational alliances for youth reintegration into society.
Pope Leo XIV has selected the theme for the 35th World Day of the Sick, scheduled for February 11, 2027. The chosen motto, drawn from Luke 5:19, references the biblical story of lowering a paralytic before Jesus. According to a statement from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Christian communities and civil society are urged to support the vulnerable. The text emphasizes that parishes must care for the lonely, elderly, and suffering, reflecting the baptismal commandment to love one's neighbor and provide paths of closeness and hope.
The Chaldean Patriarch met with the Italian Foreign Minister in Italy to discuss cooperation between Italy and Iraq. The dialogue focused on supporting Iraqi communities, particularly youth and education. Italy reaffirmed its commitment to aid Christian and other societal components through health and vocational projects. Both sides explored establishing youth and family centers in various Iraqi cities, potentially offering Italian language courses. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Chaldean Patriarchate and Italian institutions to benefit Iraqi society, with plans to continue future development initiatives.
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Father Luis Montes arrived on November 4 at the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, joining as vicar to support Father Gabriel Romanelli. His appointment brings the total number of priests serving the strip's sole Latin Catholic parish to three. The arrival signals continued ecclesial commitment to a population enduring years of conflict and instability. Born in Argentina, Montes has extensive experience in the Middle East, including roles in Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. He speaks Spanish, English, Italian, and Arabic. The parish will officially present him during Sunday's Eucharistic celebration, according to the outlet.
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The Episcopal Conference of Paraguay has expressed solidarity with thousands of people affected by the closure of Ueno Bank. The central bank initiated liquidation after the institution's solvency index fell below 50 percent of the required minimum. In a statement released yesterday, the bishops emphasized that depositors have lost access to their funds, which represent significant personal efforts and hopes. They called for the protection of savers, including pensioners and small investors, urging authorities to ensure transparency and recover funds without unnecessary delays. The conference also demanded a thorough investigation into responsibilities, stating that corruption and impunity cannot exist in Paraguay. They asked parishes to assist those involved in the recovery procedures.
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, stated in Rome that peace cannot mean surrendering Ukrainian territory. He emphasized that Ukraine is a people, not just land, and warned against negotiations that ignore human rights. Shevchuk highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, where Russian forces allegedly block aid and trap civilians. He criticized the lack of equal dialogue with Russia and urged international leaders to prioritize human life over economic interests. The church leader called for diplomacy that respects international law and human dignity, asserting that true peace must save lives rather than create silent cemeteries.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, the regional Caritas delegation will present its 21st report on poverty and social exclusion in Sardinia. The event takes place in Oristano, Italy, ahead of the World Day of the Poor on November 15. The study, titled Silver poverty, focuses on the challenges faced by the elderly. Sardinia is noted for its long life expectancy but also rapid aging. The report analyzes data from 2025 to 2026 gathered through diocesan listening centers. It aims to highlight older adults as valuable community resources rather than just vulnerable individuals, according to the outlet.
Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti marked the 60th anniversary of the Florence flood by urging society to rebuild solidarity against modern individualism. Speaking at Santa Croce Basilica in Italy, the cardinal recalled his experience as a young priest in the San Salvi district during the 1966 disaster. He described how the emergency erased ideological divisions, prioritizing aid over politics. Bassetti emphasized that remembering this collective spirit is crucial to overcoming current social fragmentation. The event highlights the enduring lesson that community support remains essential for facing difficult challenges.
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Caritas Ukraine, Caritas Kyiv, and Caritas Chernihiv teams assisted residents of Oleshky in evacuating to Ukrainian-controlled territory. The operation concluded on October 31, when evacuees arrived at the Belarusian border after being temporarily occupied by Russian forces. Tetiana Stawnycychy, president of Caritas Ukraine, described the emotional toll on survivors who endured severe humanitarian crises, including lack of food, medical care, and constant drone threats. Teams provided hot meals, SIM cards, and psychological support. The mission followed a temporary ceasefire and de-mining efforts, allowing hundreds to escape what one survivor called hell. Caritas continues to support those remaining and seeks new humanitarian corridors.
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Monsignor Gustavo Carrara, president of Caritas Argentina and Archbishop of La Plata, expressed joy regarding Pope Leo XIV's visit to Argentina. He highlighted pressing issues facing the nation, including unemployment, addiction, youth gambling, mental health struggles, suicide, and climate emergencies. Carrara stated that the organization hopes the Pope will encourage living the Gospel and accompanying the people's deepest pains. The visit to Luján holds special significance as the Virgin of Luján is the patron of both the Argentine people and Caritas Argentina. This event coincides with the organization's 70th anniversary of service across the country.
Ahead of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Uruguay, the Catholic Church has released a video series titled 'Venite e vedete' produced by ICMtv. The documentary features five testimonies from individuals whose lives were transformed by social and evangelizing missions across the country. According to the outlet, the stories include recovery from addiction through San Marcos JI, educational alternatives to violence via Opera Banneux, and support for migrants like Venezuelan Natalia González. The series aims to showcase how these communities help people rebuild autonomy and find belonging, highlighting the Church's ongoing social work in the region.
Florence commemorated the 60th anniversary of the devastating 1966 Arno River flood with a ceremony at the Basilica of Santa Croce. Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, who served as a young priest during the disaster, delivered the homily, thanking the city and international volunteers for saving its artistic heritage. Attendees included Archbishop Gherardo Gambelli, Mayor Sara Funaro, and regional President Eugenio Giani. The event highlighted the spirit of solidarity that emerged from the tragedy. Mayor Funaro linked this historical memory to current climate change challenges, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and territorial protection. A wreath was laid in the river to honor the victims.
Pope Leo XIV will visit Cusco, Peru, on Sunday, November 15, for a brief three-hour stop. Arriving from Chiclayo, he will meet with local faithful and representatives of popular piety at the Saqsaywaman archaeological park. Later, he will lead the Angelus prayer at the cathedral square before departing for Pucallpa. Anthropologist Delmia Socorro Valencia Blanco explains that the city represents a centuries-old intertwining of Catholic faith and Andean traditions. This unique cultural and religious identity remains strong despite modernization and tourism pressures.
The Diocese of Lamezia Terme in Italy will mark the X World Day of the Poor on November 6. The event features the inauguration of 'L’Oasi di Elim', a new shelter for women located near the church of Beata Vergine Addolorata. Don Marco Pagniello, director of national Caritas, and Bishop Serafino Parisi will attend. Don Fabio Stanizzo explained the day includes a reflection on new forms of poverty. The facility can house three women and one child briefly. Bishop Parisi stated the home offers rest and serenity for those in extreme fragility, though it is not a permanent housing solution. An afternoon meeting with church leaders will follow the blessing.
Caritas Social Action Network (Csan) has criticized the UK budget presented by Chancellor John Healey. The Catholic network states the measures treat symptoms but not the root causes of poverty. While welcoming support for the middle class and a 3.9% minimum wage increase, Csan argues the Labour government lacks courage to tackle structural issues. The group highlights gaps in housing and welfare, noting no commitment to raise Universal Credit. They also express concern over housing asylum seekers in remote barracks. Finally, Csan calls for a 20 billion pound annual wealth tax to ensure fiscal justice, citing Church social doctrine.
The Iraqi Prime Minister met with the Syro-Catholic Patriarch in Iraq to discuss improving conditions for the Christian community and facilitating the return of emigrants and displaced persons. The government announced that returnees can access residential land initiatives and receive unified national ID cards. The Syro-Catholic Church has long warned about Christian depopulation due to emigration and regional crises. The Patriarch appreciated the government's efforts and expressed hope for Iraq's security, stability, and peace. The meeting highlights ongoing concerns regarding the demographic decline of Christians in the country.
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