A European legal organization released a critical report on the treatment of Christians in Turkey ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit. The group states that the government enforces a Sunni Muslim national identity, leaving the Christian minority facing legal and social hostility. The report cites specific incidents, including the imprisonment of a monk, unsolved murders, and attacks on churches in various cities. It also notes the closure of a historic seminary and the conversion of significant religious sites into mosques. The organization urges international bodies to intervene to protect these vulnerable communities from ongoing persecution and discrimination.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon from November 30 to December 2, aiming to act as an artisan of peace. The country remains a paradox, preserving freedom of thought and worship despite ongoing wars and fragile communal balances. The visit highlights the nation's complex social fabric, illustrated by scenes at the Notre-Dame University of Louaizé in Beirut, where students gather amidst the urban sprawl of the Lebanese coast. This reportage explores the enduring resilience of the nation's diverse communities.
During a specific week in late 2025, the European Parliament and over 600 churches globally will be lit in red for Red Week. Organized by Aid to the Church in Need, this campaign highlights the plight of persecuted Christians. For the first time, the European Parliament approved the illumination. Events include prayers in various European nations and testimonies from victims. According to the organization, 413 million Christians live in countries with restricted religious freedom, with 220 million facing direct persecution. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the severe challenges believers face in regions where their faith is targeted.
The Venite Adoremus festival has launched across Belgium, featuring 11 days and nights of continuous Eucharistic adoration from November 13 to November 23, 2025. Hundreds of locations, including parishes, religious communities, and nursing homes, participate in the event. Activities vary by diocese and include prayer vigils, children's programs, and specific prayers for persecuted Christians. The initiative, which began in 2007 in Brussels, now covers the entire country. Archbishop Luc Terlinden of Mechelen-Brussels highlights the spiritual significance of the gathering in a promotional video.
King Philippe of Belgium will attend an Anglican Evensong at the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Brussels on November 19, 2025. This visit marks the 150th anniversary of the recognition of Anglican worship in Belgium. Following the service, the King will meet with members of the Community Kitchen, a charity located in Ixelles. The organization prepares over 5,000 meals weekly for homeless individuals and asylum seekers. According to operations manager Aline Maurer, demand for food aid is rising due to increased prices. The King’s visit aims to recognize the charity’s efforts in providing solidarity and fostering social connections among vulnerable populations in the capital.
Pope Leon XIV begins an apostolic journey in Turkey. This visit occurs as the European Centre for Law and Justice releases a critical report on the treatment of Christians in the country. The organization states that Turkish authorities deny historical genocides and that Christians face ongoing harassment and legal hostility. The report highlights the drastic decline of the Christian population in Anatolia and cites recent attacks on churches in various cities. The Pope plans to meet Christian leaders and pray in specific locations. The ECLJ urges the Council of Europe to address these issues.
Following recent parliamentary elections in Iraq, concerns have emerged regarding the five seats reserved for Christians. Reports indicate a lack of verification to ensure these seats are held by actual Christians or that voters belong to the minority. Previous elections saw seats won by figures with disputed religious affiliations. New winners include several parliamentarians, raising concerns about their loyalty to specific sectarian factions. A senior church leader has called for electoral reforms, such as a special registry, and urged Christian unity to protect community interests and secure local administration in the Nineveh Plain region.
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Caritas International and Justice & Peace Belgium launched a campaign titled “Le Poids du Silence” to highlight the humanitarian crisis in western Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 2022, the region has suffered from diffuse violence, resulting in thousands of deaths and over 280,000 displaced people. The conflict, rooted in land disputes and local governance failures, has devastated rural economies and disrupted education. The organizations, supported by local partners, conducted a year-long investigation to document the situation. Their report was presented in a European capital to urge structural action and mobilize international attention for the affected populations.
Steven Gunnell, former member of the 1990s group Alliage, has found unexpected success with his film Sacré-Cœur. After a period of severe depression and debt following his fame, he converted to Christianity in London. The docu-fiction, released in France on October 1, has attracted nearly 300,000 viewers. Despite initial censorship hurdles, the film is now showing in Belgium. Gunnell and his partner Sabrina created the project to share their spiritual journey. The movie mixes historical reenactments with reflections on faith, marking a significant artistic and personal turnaround for the director.
From November 7 to 9, 30,000 Christians gathered at the Accor Arena in Paris for the Mission Congress, organized by the Anuncio movement. This tenth anniversary event, themed around Jesus as the way, truth, and life, aims to revitalize French Catholicism. The program included prayer sessions, forums on social issues, and speeches by figures such as Father Michel Gueguen and Bishop Laurent Ulrich. The event seeks to build a network among Catholic associations and encourage missionary zeal across France. According to the outlet, the gathering represents a spiritual renewal for the Church in the country.
Volunteers from the New Sanctuary Coalition provide legal assistance to asylum seekers facing deportation at the Saint-François-Xavier Church in Manhattan, New York. The group helps individuals like Osmer and Dugle, a Venezuelan couple who fled political repression under Nicolás Maduro. They have been in the United States for nearly two months. The organization emphasizes that faith involves active service rather than just sitting in church. This initiative supports migrants threatened by mass deportations.
The Notre-Dame de Banneux sanctuary in Belgium is hosting the 9th World Day of the Poor on November 15 and 16, 2025. Initiated by Pope Francis, the event aims to raise awareness about various forms of poverty. Approximately 300 participants, including those experiencing hardship or isolation, are expected to attend. The weekend features prayer, shared meals, and cultural activities. Bishop Jean Kockerols will preside over the Sunday Eucharist. Fabian Delarbre of the sanctuary explains that the day encourages recognizing the poor as witnesses to God's kingdom. Pope Leo XIV continues this tradition, emphasizing that the poor are central to the Church's pastoral work and message of hope.
On November 6, 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed members of the Joint Committee of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences and the Conference of Churches in Europe. He emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and fraternity amid ongoing violence and war. The Pope welcomed the signing of a revised Ecumenical Charter, which updates the 2001 document to address contemporary challenges. He described the effort as synodal, aiming to help European churches navigate their minority status and diverse new populations. The revised charter seeks to strengthen cooperation and proclaim the Gospel effectively across the continent.
Two survivors of sexual abuse within the Church in Belgium are preparing for a scheduled meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, November 8. The encounter aims to honor a promise made by the previous pontiff, Pope Francis, during his visit to Brussels. One participant emphasizes the need for a professionalized approach to handling abuse cases within the Church. The survivors share their mindset and determination ahead of this significant dialogue, which seeks to address past harms and improve institutional responses to such crimes in Belgium.
From November 15 to 22, churches worldwide will illuminate red to mark Red Week, organized by Aid to the Church in Need. The initiative aims to raise awareness about millions of people oppressed for their faith. This year, Red Wednesday falls on November 19. A commemorative evening will take place at the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, Belgium. Bishop Koen Vanhoutte will welcome attendees, followed by presentations on religious freedom and Christian oppression in Africa. The event seeks to remember persecuted believers and support them through prayer and advocacy.
Approximately 180 Belgian Scouts traveled to Vézelay, France, this weekend to participate in the 50th pilgrimage organized by the Guides and Scouts of Europe. The event gathered 3,600 young people from across Europe for a four-day journey involving walking, prayer, and daily masses. Belgian participants formed the largest international delegation, citing the unique opportunity for reflection and community as a rare equivalent in their home country. The group returned to Vézelay after previously organizing a separate route in Avioth due to capacity restrictions at the basilica. Organizers describe the experience as a vital space for spiritual renewal and fraternity.
The Scalabrinian Sisters marked their 130th anniversary on October 25 in Brussels, Belgium. Founded in Italy in 1895 by Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, the congregation now operates in over 25 countries. In Brussels, they have served Brazilian, Spanish-speaking, and Portuguese migrants for two decades. A solemn mass was held at Sainte-Alène Church with the local Brazilian community. During the service, sisters renewed their vows, reflecting Pope Francis's call to welcome and integrate migrants. The event highlighted their ongoing pastoral work supporting migrants in Europe and globally.
Archbishop Luc Terlinden visited the closed migrant center in Merksplas, Belgium, on October 24, invited by the Jesuit Refugee Service. The facility, located near the Dutch border, holds individuals awaiting deportation or transfer under EU rules. The Jesuit Refugee Service provides volunteer support, monitoring detention conditions and assisting residents with administrative and legal issues. The visit highlighted the psychological pressure on detainees, with volunteers noting the uncertainty and fear experienced by those confined. The report emphasizes the human impact of administrative detention and the role of NGOs in offering alternatives to incarceration while respecting the dignity of migrants.
Fondacio, a Christian movement founded in France in 1974, celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 11 in Walhain, Belgium. The organization, which supports people through major life stages, has expanded to over 20 countries. According to the article, the movement integrates spirituality with human sciences and personal transformation. The outlet notes that the group acknowledges past abuses involving its founder, Jean-Michel Rousseau, who resigned in 1991. Fondacio states that recognizing victims' suffering is now a priority. The celebration in Walhain allowed members to reflect on the movement's history and future goals across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
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