Catholic bishops in England and Wales have strongly condemned a new assisted dying bill scheduled for a House of Commons vote on 11 September. Introduced by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, the legislation mirrors a previous 2024 proposal. Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool described the measure as flawed and dangerous, citing insufficient safeguards for vulnerable groups such as disabled individuals and victims of domestic abuse. Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth warned of mission creep, while Bishop Stephen Wright of Hexham and Newcastle emphasized the inherent dignity of life. The bishops argue the bill fails to protect conscientious objection and could negatively impact palliative care quality.
Sister Chrysologa Mnich, a Polish missionary from the Sisters of Mercy of St. Charles Borromeo, established a center for malnourished children in Vélingara, Senegal, on September 13, 1993. The initiative addresses severe health crises, as reports indicate high rates of acute malnutrition and anemia among local children and women. Over the years, the facility has treated approximately 20,000 young patients, providing medical care, nutrition, and education to mothers. The sister recounts miraculous recoveries and community support that sustained the project despite initial resource shortages. Her work aims to eventually expand the site into a full pediatric hospital to eliminate child starvation in the region.
Msgr. Friedrich Bechina has been elected as the new coordinator for Aid to the Church in Need, a Pontifical Foundation operating in over 140 countries. During a meeting in Rome, he discussed the organization's mission to support persecuted Christians through evangelization and pastoral assistance rather than medical or infrastructure aid. Bechina highlighted the foundation's work in the Middle East to help displaced communities stay in their homes and in Africa to support seminarians. He also noted the foundation's role in advocating for persecuted churches, a task the Holy See sometimes cannot address publicly. The foundation collaborates with more than 1,300 dioceses and supports thousands of projects annually.
Following catastrophic floods in Nepal that killed over 1,400 people, Caritas International and Caritas Nepal are mobilizing aid. According to a consultant, priorities include providing food, psychological support for traumatized children in affected districts, and preventing human trafficking. The disaster, caused by a glacier-triggered landslide, has displaced thousands. Caritas is distributing winterization kits and planning long-term reconstruction. A regional coordinator highlights the urgent need for early warning systems and addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on Nepal despite its minimal carbon emissions.
The AMDA Medical Caravan 2026 provided free medical camps, dental care, and eye surgeries in Sheema District, Uganda, from September 4 to 6. Organized by the Archdiocese of Mbarara and AMDA, the initiative traveled from Kampala to St. Claret Parish in Nyabwina. The program, described as a journey of generosity by Bishop Callistus Rubaramira, serves underserved rural communities regardless of faith. AMDA chair Chis Gumisiriza noted this was the twelfth annual event, highlighting cooperation between the laity, the Church, and government partners to extend healthcare access where hospitals are scarce. Serious cases are referred to existing institutions.
Bishop Scott McCaig of the Military Ordinariate of Canada opposes new Department of National Defence instructions that prohibit military personnel from using language referencing God during official spiritual reflections. Issued on July 29, 2026, the policy aims to uphold state neutrality and respect for diverse traditions. However, Bishop McCaig argues this restricts religious freedom and contradicts sincere beliefs, as many cannot separate spiritual well-being from God. He represents the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy, seeking dialogue with the government to ensure inclusive support for service members while navigating the evolving role of religion in public life. (Vatican News)
Pope Leo XIV urged the immediate release of hostages in a Haitian city following a massacre, according to Vatican News. The Pontiff also addressed deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet, where the death toll exceeds 700 and thousands remain missing. Through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the Vatican sent financial assistance to Caritas Nepal to support urgent relief efforts, including food and shelter. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin signed a telegram expressing sorrow over the destruction. The Pope additionally encouraged prayers for peace and highlighted the upcoming World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Henry Wilson-Smith of CAFOD reports that Ukrainian civilians face worsening conditions as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify. July was the deadliest month for civilians since the 2022 invasion began, with Kyiv residents enduring frequent air-raid alerts. Despite exhaustion from destroyed homes and disrupted services, Wilson-Smith notes extraordinary resilience, citing families rebuilding in Kharkiv. CAFOD and partners are preparing for a difficult winter by distributing heaters and blankets. The aid agency emphasizes that spiritual solidarity and practical support help sustain communities, with local workers playing a key role in recovery efforts.
The academic year commenced in a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing Ebola risks and regional instability. A Jesuit priest reported that nearly 90% of students and staff attended the first day. The school implemented preventive measures, including handwashing stations and distancing protocols, to mitigate virus transmission. Although initial panic occurred, the absence of confirmed cases has helped calm fears. The institution continues to operate under rebel control, which has held the area since February 2026. The Pope recently urged international solidarity regarding the outbreak in eastern DRC.
A missionary priest is leaving a Central Asian nation after thirty years of ministry. He helped establish the Christian community in this Muslim-majority country from the ground up, with early baptisms taking place around the year 2000. The priest emphasizes that his work relied on daily interactions, sharing in local joys and sorrows, and demonstrating faith through kindness rather than debate. He believes mutual respect fosters genuine encounter and peace. The missionary plans to write a book to further bridge understanding between Christians and Muslims, highlighting that witness begins with personal connection.
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Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit France from September 25 to 28, marking the first papal apostolic journey to the country in 18 years. The itinerary includes Paris, Lourdes, and Metz, with a major vigil at the Stade de France near Paris on September 25. Organizers report that 80,000 spots for the event filled within an hour, indicating strong interest among French youth. The Pope will also meet with new Catholics and students. According to Vatican News, the visit aims to encourage faith, with themes drawn from the Gospel of John. Groups like La Cité Celeste are actively preparing young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods for the encounter.
Sister Liji Payyapilly, an Indian nun serving in Ukraine for nearly 25 years, recently traveled to front-line regions including Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Kherson. According to her interview with Vatican News, she witnessed severe humanitarian crises, such as people queuing for bread and the devastation in Kherson. Despite the constant threat of drones and missiles, she observed that Ukrainian residents maintain their faith and desire for freedom. The sister emphasizes that prayer and community support provide strength to those enduring the war's physical and emotional toll.
Ethiopia is experiencing a deepening humanitarian emergency as millions face acute food insecurity. The crisis is driven by U.S. aid freezes, regional conflicts, and climate-induced droughts. In various regions, vulnerable families, including refugees and those with disabilities, struggle to survive with minimal support from remaining charities like the Catholic Church. International organizations report that nearly 7 million people need emergency aid, while the World Food Program has reduced operations due to security concerns and funding shortages. The government has introduced new levies to help finance disaster response efforts.
A book detailing over two decades of pastoral ministry on Florida’s death row has been released in English by Incendio Press on July 29. Dale Recinella, a former financial lawyer turned Catholic lay chaplain, authored the work, which was previously published in Italian by the Vatican Publishing House in August 2024. Pope Francis wrote the preface to the Italian edition, describing the book as a masterclass in God’s mercy. Recinella received the Guardian of Life Award from the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2021 for his service. The book explores the impacts of capital punishment on prisoners, families, and staff, framing prison visits as a corporal work of mercy.
Estonian Catholics are observing the first anniversary of the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, which took place on September 6, 2025. The event holds significant ecumenical importance for the small Catholic community in Estonia. Former Ambassador Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk described the beatification as a moral warning against recurring totalitarianism. Bishop Philippe Jourdan of Tallinn stated that Profittlich symbolizes the tragedy of Stalinist deportations and serves as a model of holiness for the nation. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church also honors him, noting parallels between his Soviet martyrdom and recent conflicts. The liturgical memorial is scheduled for February 21.
A bishop issued a statement calling for increased humanitarian assistance for communities affected by flooding in Nepal. He emphasized the need for long-term support to rebuild homes and infrastructure. A US bishops’ agency is monitoring the crisis and coordinating with local Catholic organizations to determine the best aid methods. The bishop also thanked the US government for its partnership and practical support in sending personnel to the region. The Church in the United States offered prayers and solidarity to those impacted by the emergency.
Representatives from Latin America and other regions gathered in Rome from August 25 to 27 for a meeting on faith-based responses to drug addiction and the criminal recruitment of young people. Organized by CELAM, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and the OAS, the event aims to develop community-centered support methods. Participants will present conclusions to Pope Leo XIV. The initiative emphasizes social integration, family support, and collaboration between religious groups and scientific experts to protect vulnerable youth from organized crime.
The Catholic Church in Uganda has launched a nationwide relief campaign to address severe hunger in Karamoja, caused by prolonged droughts that destroyed crops. Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido appealed for aid, prompting the Uganda Episcopal Conference to organize donations. Lira Diocese, coordinated by Caritas Lira, is collecting maize flour and beans from parishes. Vicar General Monsignor Valente Innocent Opio urged Christians to contribute according to their means. While the government has begun distributing supplies, Bishop Eibu warns that many vulnerable families remain unsupported and calls for more urgent, coordinated assistance to prevent further malnutrition.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of Columbus, United States, reports phenomenal growth in Ohio's Catholic schools, including the opening of a new elementary school and plans for a high school. In a letter titled 'Catholic Education: An Act of Hope,' he describes this expansion as a missionary opportunity to form young people's hearts and minds. The bishop emphasizes that parents, teachers, and clergy share responsibility for evangelization. He advocates for proposing Christ rather than imposing Him, citing Msgr. Luigi Giussani's methods as effective against secularization. Fernandes asserts that Catholic education serves as a vital defense for the human person in a rapidly changing society.
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