Residents of Taybeh, the West Bank’s last entirely Christian village, report living in fear following its designation as a closed military zone by Israeli authorities. Activist Ihab Hassan states that while the restriction aims to protect locals from settler violence, it effectively isolates Palestinians while allowing settlers free movement. The closure prevents olive harvesting and blocks pilgrims, causing significant economic loss. Bishop James Curry of England and Wales expressed alarm, noting the ban undermines international scrutiny. Ongoing attacks on residents and businesses have prompted emigration concerns, with the Save West Bank Christians campaign highlighting the existential threat to these ancient communities.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ben Dove on UnsplashPersecuted church
The late Argentine priest Carlos Miguel Buela, founder of the Institutes of the Incarnate Word and the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, has been definitively found guilty of sexual abuse. Vatican tribunals established moral certainty regarding his responsibility for offenses against the sixth commandment. The decision was announced by pontifical delegates Sister Simona Brambilla, Bishop José Antonio Satué Huerto, and Sister Clara Echarte. The ruling concludes proceedings at two judicial levels and was communicated to superiors in Rome. The Holy See states the verdict aims to provide justice for victims and support the renewal of the institutes, which operate in Italy and Argentina among other countries.
Around 700 to 1,000 children from Rome and other regions will join Pope Leo on October 1 to pray the Rosary for global peace. Regina Lynch, executive president of Aid to the Church in Need, described the event as a dream come true. The initiative began in Venezuela in 2005 and now includes participants from countries such as Haiti, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Philippines. Lynch stated that the prayer aims to unite children worldwide and encourage families to continue praying together at home throughout October and beyond.
Pope Leo met with a delegation from the Lutheran World Federation on Thursday morning in Vatican City. The group’s General Secretary, Rev Dr Anne Burghardt, described the atmosphere as cordial. The leaders discussed the maturation of Catholic-Lutheran relations since 1967 and the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession. Burghardt noted the Pope’s openness and highlighted shared interests in synodality and lay participation. The delegation presented gifts, including a replica of the Lund Cross, symbolizing a journey from historical conflict to current communion between the two Christian traditions.
At a conference in Rome on September 29, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher warned that religious affiliation must not be used as a tool for division. He argued that faith communities can ease tensions and promote peace by speaking to human consciences. The event, organized by Carità Politica, emphasized the need for cultural exchange and dialogue. Cardinal Baldo Reina also spoke, urging the removal of religious justification from war. Ambassadors from Angola, Turkey, and the US highlighted the importance of human dignity and democratic values in international relations. The gathering aimed to revive diplomatic efforts to maintain global stability.
France is experiencing a significant rise in adult Catholic baptisms, with over 13,000 individuals baptized during Easter 2026. This figure represents a 28% increase from 2025 and more than triples the number from a decade ago. Vatican News reports that this trend reflects a shift from inherited to chosen Christianity among French youth. Newly baptized converts and catechumens, including Robin, Cristal, and Angelina, met Pope Leo XIV at the Catholic University of Paris on September 26. These individuals cite community, spiritual peace, and personal conviction as key reasons for their conversions, highlighting a growing desire for faith among young people in France.
Pope Leo XIV praised Venerable Fulton Sheen during a Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, highlighting the late American Archbishop’s pioneering media evangelization. The Pope noted that Sheen will be beatified on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Dome at America’s Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will preside over the ceremony. According to the Diocese of Norwich, organizers anticipate nearly 45,000 pilgrims from across the United States and twelve other countries. Born in 1895, Sheen gained fame through his television program Life Is Worth Living and later served as Bishop of Rochester. He died in December 1979.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a message on September 27, 2026, marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Bishop Peter Munguti Makau called for stronger pastoral and humanitarian support for displaced minors across Kenya. The statement emphasizes protecting children in camps like Dadaab and Kakuma, as well as urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa. It urges authorities to uphold children's rights to education and safety while encouraging faith communities to cooperate against exploitation. The Church asserts that displacement does not erase human dignity and demands legal protections and family reunification efforts.
A 28-year-old Catholic named Henry expressed pride in Metz, France, for hosting Pope Leo XIV. Speaking to Vatican News, he highlighted the city's significance to European unity and its vibrant young faith community. Henry believes the Pope's multilingual communication shows genuine care for younger believers. He anticipates the Pontiff will address peace in Europe during his historic Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The visit allows locals to showcase their heritage and deep religious commitment to the Holy Father.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France on Sunday, urging pilgrims to return home as missionaries of hope. In his homily, he emphasized immediate conversion and penance, linking these spiritual acts to global conflicts and the dignity of human life. The Pope also addressed the Church’s need for humility regarding its past errors and highlighted the redemptive value of the sick’s suffering. He concluded that the gathering demonstrated the universal nature of the Church and encouraged attendees to carry the consolation of Lourdes to their communities. (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV will visit Maison Bakhita, a migrant support center in Paris, France, on September 26, 2026, during his Apostolic Journey to the country. The facility, opened in 2021, aims to welcome and integrate migrants through various social and educational services. Isabelle Cauchois, the outgoing director, stated the visit highlights the Church's commitment to solidarity and justice for those on the move. The center serves as a meeting point for locals and migrants, fostering fraternity. The Pope's presence is seen as encouragement for the staff and volunteers who assist people from diverse backgrounds in the 18th district of Paris.
The Catholic Church in Malawi celebrated its 125th anniversary on September 19, 2026, in Dedza. The event, themed 'Rooted in Christ, Sent for Mission,' gathered bishops, government representatives, and faithful under the leadership of Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu. During the Eucharistic celebration, two deacons were ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Dedza. Archbishop Nwachukwu urged clergy to transcend political and tribal divisions while serving the community. The jubilee highlighted the Church's historical contributions to education and healthcare since the arrival of Montfort Missionaries in 1901. According to the report, Catholic schools continue to perform well in national examinations, reflecting the institution's ongoing commitment to spiritual and human development in the country.
Pope Leo XIV visited the Accueil Notre-Dame center in Lourdes, France, on September 27, 2026, during his apostolic trip. The facility supports sick and disabled pilgrims, having hosted 750,000 guests since 1997. The Pope heard testimonies from Mathias Terrier, a doctor from Laval, and Marguerite Hourt, a former volunteer now serving as a receptionist. They discussed how caring for the vulnerable reveals essential human values and divine grace. The visit highlighted the spiritual significance of service and suffering within the Catholic tradition at this major pilgrimage site.
André Finot, communications manager for Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, discusses the cathedral's recovery with Vatican News ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to France. Finot recounts taking the last photo before the April 2019 fire and details how the charity raised €840 million for the six-year reconstruction. He highlights the spiritual dedication of the 4,000 workers involved and the resilience of the French people. Finot suggests the cathedral's rebirth mirrors hopes for a renewal of faith in France, noting the deep emotional connection workers felt toward the historic site.
Valérie Moniod, president of Maison Bakhita in Paris, expressed immense joy regarding Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to the Archdiocese-run facility. The center supports migrants, refugees, and exiles by offering daytime activities, language lessons, and social integration through its Cafe Bonjour initiative. Founded five years ago following Pope Francis's call to protect migrants, the home relies on 130 volunteers to assist nearly 150 residents daily. Moniod stated the papal visit honors their work and reminds the public of the humanity of those who have endured difficult journeys to reach France safely.
Thousands of people gathered in Bratislava, Slovakia, on September 20 for the fifth National March for Life. Organized under the patronage of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, the event took place at Freedom Square. Pope Leo XIV sent a message encouraging participants to protect life from conception to natural death and support vulnerable families. Fr. Ivan Ružička, Secretary General of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, told Vatican News that the march aims to defend human dignity and oppose abortion. Organizers also called for a complete legal ban on surrogacy in Slovakia, arguing that children should not be treated as contractual objects. The group seeks legislation that fully prohibits all surrogacy agreements.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the Holy See's Special Delegate, traveled to Malawi to preside over the 125th anniversary of the Catholic Church's permanent establishment in the country. The celebrations, held under the theme 'Rooted in Christ, Sent for Mission,' were welcomed by local bishops, clergy, and laity. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gian Luca Perici also attended the event. The jubilee marks the arrival of the first Montfort Missionaries in 1901 at Nzama in the Dedza Diocese, which Vatican News reports laid the foundation for one of Africa's most vibrant Catholic communities today.
UNICEF reports that intensified conflict in Yemen has severely worsened the humanitarian situation for children. In just two weeks, over 104,000 people, including more than 57,000 children, have been displaced. Since September 3, at least nine children have been killed and twelve injured. The agency states that 12.2 million children already needed aid, with millions suffering from malnutrition and out of school. UNICEF urges all parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access, noting that current mobile health teams are insufficient to address the rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Charitable organizations in Paris are preparing for the Pope's upcoming visit to the Maison Bakhita Center for Social Support and Integration. Representatives from groups including Le Rocher, Lazare, and Aux captifs, la libération shared their concerns with Vatican News ahead of the trip. The associations focus on supporting homeless individuals and those involved in prostitution through horizontal solidarity rather than traditional charity. Aux captifs, la libération highlights its work with over 70,000 encounters in 2025, while Lazare promotes shared living arrangements. The visit aims to highlight social fractures in France as presidential elections approach, emphasizing rebuilding lives through mutual respect and presence.
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