Pope Leo XIV addressed Catholics in Paysandú, Uruguay, on Saturday, urging them to continue the evangelization mission with enthusiasm. He emphasized that faith is a valuable heritage from past missionaries that must be passed to future generations. Citing Vatican News, the Pope recalled Blessed Jacinto Vera, the first bishop of Montevideo, as a model of apostolic dedication. He used local symbols like the Artigas Bridge and mate to illustrate community and sharing. The Pope stressed that the Church must build bridges of justice and friendship, entrusting this mission to all believers under the protection of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three.
Translated from Bahasa IndonesiaAlso reported by 2 outlets
Argentina is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV for an apostolic visit to Latin America. The trip holds special significance as it serves as a moment to honor his predecessor, Pope Francis. According to Vatican News, the Pope aims to strengthen Catholic faith in the region. In Buenos Aires, locals are cleaning streets and painting buildings to show enthusiasm. Father Alejandro Russo, administrator of the Buenos Aires Cathedral, stated that the community welcomes the new pontiff with hope. The visit highlights the continuity between Pope Francis's message of mercy and Pope Leo's focus on peace, reinforcing the Church's mission of love and justice.
A Vatican delegation led by Archbishop Indunil Kodithuwakku visited a city in Pakistan to promote Islamic-Christian dialogue. The visit, coinciding with 75 years of diplomatic ties, aims to address discrimination against Christian minorities and uphold human dignity. The team met with religious leaders, including Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, and plans to continue to other major cities. According to the outlet, the mission emphasizes justice and protection for vulnerable groups beyond ceremonial peace talks.
The Pontifical Mission Works of the Sintang Diocese in Indonesia organized activities throughout October to celebrate World Mission Sunday. Teens from the Teens School of Mission led live rosaries on Instagram and attended a talkshow in Nanga Pinoh. Speakers, including Director Patrisius Piki and Sr. Betty, emphasized that the Church grows through missionary work. Participants shared how service fostered discipline and empathy. The initiative aims to encourage young Catholics to act as witnesses of faith in their daily lives and communities. (Source: Hidup Katolik)
The Soegijapranata Family Welfare Foundation (YKKS) celebrated its 49th anniversary on September 8, 2026, in Semarang, Indonesia. The event, held at the organization's office in Tembalang, focused on the theme of uplifting marginalized communities. Director Paulus Mujiran stated that YKKS remains committed to child protection, climate change, gender equality, and family welfare. The foundation, established in 1977, has expanded its services to several neighborhoods in Semarang to address issues like poverty and child violence. Key donors include USAID and ChildFund International. The celebration concluded with a visit to the grave of Archbishop Albertus Soegijapranata, honoring the legacy of the foundation's namesake.
Organizers held an interfaith solidarity prayer in a major Southeast Asian city and a South Asian capital on September 15, 2026, responding to August 2026 Himalayan floods affecting Nepal and Tibet. The event, led by the Laudato Si’ Movement, FABC-OHD, and Radio Veritas Asia, united religious leaders from Indonesia, Myanmar, South Korea, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Nepal. Participants called for climate justice, renewable energy transitions, and improved early warning systems. The gathering emphasized that the ecological crisis in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is a humanitarian emergency requiring urgent global action and long-term recovery support for affected communities.
Thousands of participants gathered in Sentul, Bogor, Indonesia, for the Fit4Care charity run on Saturday, September 12. The event, organized by PUKAT Bogor, drew runners from various regions including Jakarta and Bandung. Vicar General Father Yohanes Driyanto opened the race, which aimed to support families below the poverty line. Monica Kusjanti, the event chair, noted high attendance and explained the focus on the Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi. The open event featured entertainment, prize distributions, and local business stalls, combining physical activity with spiritual growth and community aid.
Franciscan volunteers from the JPIC OFM Indonesia post in Pagal, Manggarai, are expanding humanitarian aid for earthquake survivors in Flores. Starting September 4, 2026, teams in Luwuk, Serise, Sambi, Sonot, Mbawar, and Mondo provided medical care and trauma healing. According to coordinator Sr. Christa, hundreds of patients received free treatments from doctors like dr. Novi and dr. Hotland Sitorus. The group also offers psychological support and spiritual comfort to children and the elderly in displacement camps. This cross-congregation effort ensures comprehensive care for those affected by the disaster.
Sister Maria Silvia Bate, an Indonesian national from Flores, has been appointed as the abbess of the Benedictine Monastery in Orte, Italy, on September 27, 2026. She succeeds Madre Maria Giacinta di Maria, who stepped down at age 84. This marks the first time an Indonesian citizen leads a monastery in Italy. The appointment was celebrated with a Mass led by Bishop Marco Salvi, attended by Indonesian Ambassador Michael Trias Kuncahyono. The monastery, which houses 26 sisters, including 21 from Indonesia, has a long history of spiritual cooperation between Italy and Indonesia dating back to the late 1980s. The event highlights the growing presence of Indonesian religious women in Italian monastic life.
Catholic Youth (OMK) in Waisai, Raja Ampat, West Papua, distributed 34 trash bins made from recycled asphalt drums. The initiative, led by Alvianus Japa, aims to reduce plastic pollution at the Waisai Torang Cinta beach and other public areas. The group spent weeks cleaning and painting the used drums to create durable, aesthetic waste containers. Church officials, including Andro Hurint, praised the project as a practical expression of ecological care and faith. The effort seeks to inspire broader community responsibility for environmental cleanliness in the region.
The Central Board of Indonesian Catholic Women (WKRI) opened its 2026 National Coordination Meeting in Bali on September 3, 2026. Held at the Kuta Beach Club, the four-day forum gathers national and regional leaders to evaluate past programs and prepare for the 2028 Congress. According to the outlet, the event focuses on protecting women and children from violence and trafficking, addressing climate change, and promoting digital responsibility. Elly Kusumawati Handoko, the Presidium Chair, stated the meeting aims to consolidate efforts. Activities include field work such as mangrove planting in Benoa and a visit to the Puja Mandala religious complex in Nusa Dua to foster tolerance.
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Flores, Indonesia, the Diaspora Youth of NTT in North Sulawesi organized fundraising efforts. Led by Eus Adonara, the group collected donations in Manado over the past week at Taman Kesatuan Bangsa, Manado Town Square, and Kairagi. They emphasize transparency and accountability in handling the funds. The group plans to publish a detailed report before distributing the money to the most affected displacement sites. This initiative aims to support victims despite logistical challenges in aid distribution. The activities are framed by prayer and motivation to strengthen their humanitarian work spirit.
The Catholic Social Foundation (YPSK) of the Tanjungkarang Diocese celebrated its 60th anniversary in Lampung Selatan, Indonesia, on August 27, 2026. Bishop Vinsensius Setiawan Triatmojo led the thanksgiving mass at the Margo Lestari Hall. Founded in 1966, the organization focuses on social service, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability for marginalized communities. Chairman Pastor Agustinus Sunarto Yoga Pamungkas outlined three key themes for the future: creating tangible work, building networks with government and partners, and ensuring impactful results. The event highlighted best practices in women's empowerment and child protection, reflecting the foundation's long-standing commitment to serving vulnerable populations under the Catholic Church's guidance.
JPIC OFM Indonesia has distributed approximately 937 million rupiah of the 1.9 billion rupiah collected in donations to help victims of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Flores, Indonesia. The Franciscan team delivered food packages and emergency supplies to isolated villages in East Manggarai and surrounding areas between August 22 and 24, 2026. According to the group, aid was sent to seven main humanitarian posts to address severe health crises and damaged infrastructure. The organization emphasizes transparency in fund management while continuing relief efforts for displaced residents facing respiratory issues and lack of basic necessities.
The Diocese of Tanjungkarang and the Interfaith Harmony Forum of Lampung held a cultural celebration for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day in Bandar Lampung on August 22, 2026. Bishop Vinsensius Setiawan Triatmojo stated that arts and culture effectively unite diversity. FKUB Chairman Moh. Bahruddin highlighted Lampung's high harmony index but warned against disrupting worship. Pastor Philipus Suroyo emphasized that cultural performances foster social cohesion. The event took place at Asilo Hermelink, a diocesan land dedicated to interfaith dialogue and humanitarian activities, attended by various religious and community leaders.
Caritas Indonesia is providing emergency relief in Flores, Indonesia, following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on August 15, 2026. The organization has dispatched 180 kilograms of medicine and deployed medical teams to treat hundreds of patients across four dioceses. According to the outlet, Caritas also offers psychosocial support to children and families in displacement camps. A national logistics hub in Surabaya facilitates the transport of supplies, including water tanks, to the affected region. The Catholic Church’s network aims to assist over 82,000 displaced residents through coordinated aid efforts led by bishops and volunteers.
The Gender Section and Women's Empowerment (SGPP) of Santa Maria Fatima Parish in Sentul City, Indonesia, held a seminar on July 25, 2026, focusing on toxic relationships and domestic violence. The event attracted hundreds of participants and featured Inayah Wahid, daughter of former President Abdurrahman Wahid, who shared her personal experience as a survivor of a toxic relationship. Counselor Mella Noviani also spoke about recovering self-esteem after domestic abuse. The parish aims to eliminate violence and support women's roles in society through such initiatives.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Flores, Indonesia, on August 15, 2026, causing significant humanitarian damage. According to a rapid report by JPIC OFM Indonesia, the disaster has killed at least 51 people and injured 182 others. Approximately 5,000 residents have been displaced, and over 1,600 homes have suffered damage. The organization has established five relief posts and opened an emergency fund to provide food, water, and medical aid. Coordination efforts are underway to support recovery in the affected regions of Nusa Tenggara Timur.
On August 8, Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim joined a health walk organized by the Catholic Professionals and Entrepreneurs Union (PUKAT) of the Bogor Diocese. The event served as a precursor to the Fit 4 Care campaign, scheduled for September 12 at GBH Sentul. Mayor Rachim praised the initiative for fostering social solidarity and mobilizing donations for those in need. Pastor Yohanes Suparta, PUKAT moderator, stated that the upcoming aid will provide general infrastructure support to underprivileged families, regardless of religious affiliation. This effort reflects the group's ongoing commitment to community empowerment and tangible social assistance in Indonesia.
Translated from Bahasa Indonesia
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
