Bishop Kazimierz Gurda of the Diocese of Siedlce expressed deep gratitude after Pope Leo XIV mentioned the martyrs of Pratulina during a general audience in Vatican City. The remarks came just before the 30th anniversary of the beatification of Vincent Lewoniuk and his companions by Pope John Paul II. Bishop Gurda stated that the Pope's words brought great joy to the local faithful. The diocese is preparing for thanksgiving celebrations in Pratulin and Rome to honor the martyrs' witness of faith and unity with the Holy See. The bishop emphasized that the memory of these martyrs remains vital for the community today.
During a general audience in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV addressed Polish pilgrims, recalling the beatification of Vincent Lewoniuk and his twelve companions by Pope John Paul II thirty years ago. The Pope highlighted that these martyrs remained faithful to the Catholic Church and unity with the Successor of Saint Peter until death, while preserving their Eastern tradition. He commended their intercession for the unity of Christ's disciples and for Catholics currently persecuted for their faith. The audience included various groups from Poland, such as sisters from Trzebnica, students from Poznań, and pilgrims from Żagań, Łęczna, and Warsaw.
The Pope listened to personal stories from young people supported by French aid organizations. One Afghan refugee shared how a local charity helped him regain dignity through sewing and volunteering. Another beneficiary, assisted by an organization in a northern city, described finding friendship and community through shared activities and pilgrimages. A third individual, helped by a different group, spoke about escaping exploitation and finding support. These testimonies highlighted the impact of social assistance in France, emphasizing restoration of self-worth and integration for migrants and vulnerable individuals.
According to Vatican News, more than one million faithful gathered in France for events with Pope Leo XIV in Paris. Authorities reported approximately 800,000 attendees at the Saturday Mass led by the Pope near Place Charles de Gaulle. The first lady and prime minister were present. Earlier, crowds welcomed the Pope near Notre Dame Cathedral and at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, where 80,000 young people attended a meeting. The Pope prayed for the Holy Spirit to pour out on France. The papal itinerary continues to Lourdes and Metz before returning to the Vatican.
Three French individuals shared their conversion stories with Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Catholic Institute in Paris. The group included Jaoide, who moved from Islam to Christianity after studying religious texts, and Marielle, who was baptized at Easter 2025 after being inspired by her daughter. Sophie, a catechumen companion, highlighted the strong desire for baptism among seekers. The Pope described these testimonies as evidence of God's grace in a secularized society, noting that many adults are rediscovering the Gospel and requesting sacraments.
Caritas Poland is increasing psychological assistance for Ukrainian veterans and their families in Ukraine. According to representatives, the need for such support has grown since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The organization operates family support centers in four cities: Kamianets-Podilskyi, Zhytomyr, Odesa, and Kharkiv. These centers provide therapy and social integration for demobilized soldiers suffering from trauma. Additionally, Caritas runs intensive camps for couples and offers laundry services in cities like Kyiv and Lutsk. The aid is funded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in cooperation with local Catholic charities.
André Finot, who was present during the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, discusses the cathedral's six-year restoration with Vatican News. He notes that 840 million euros were raised globally, primarily from France, to rebuild the landmark. Finot highlights the symbolic significance of the project, suggesting it mirrors potential spiritual renewal for the Church in France. He recalls the emotional impact on workers, including Jewish, Muslim, and atheist volunteers, who felt a deep sense of community. The summary also mentions architect Philippe Villeneuve, who began planning the restoration immediately after the fire, attributing the success to divine assistance.
Pope Leon XIV celebrated a prayer vigil with over 80,000 young people at the Stade de France in France. The event highlighted a trend of adult conversions among French youth, who describe seeking a personal relationship with God. New converts Robin, Cristal, and Angelina shared their stories with Vatican News, explaining that they chose Catholicism after exploring faith through priests, reading, and spiritual guidance. They view the Pope's presence as a significant sign of their correct choices. The attendees expressed hope that this spiritual awakening will positively impact the future of their country and its younger generation.
Pope Leo XIV met with catechumens and new converts at the Catholic Institute in Paris, France. He expressed surprise at the number of adults seeking Christian initiation in a deeply secularized society. The Pope stated that this growth contradicts what Pope Francis called 'sterile pessimism.' He emphasized that the Church must avoid complacency and instead focus on integrating these new believers through community life, biblical formation, and spiritual support. Leo XIV urged the neophytes to become missionaries themselves, noting that their faith brings new vitality to the Church in France.
Father Néouze explains that relics of French saints will be displayed at the Stade de France in France to connect with young people. He argues that in a virtual world dominated by AI, youth crave tangible reality and concrete examples of faith. The event highlights the diversity of French saints, from Mary Magdalene to modern figures, showing they faced similar questions today. The vigil aims to demonstrate Christ's ongoing action in the modern Church through these historical witnesses and contemporary testimonies of new converts and consecrated persons.
Pope Leon XIV will visit Maison Bakhita, a social integration center in northern Paris, on September 26. The facility supports over 150 people, mostly women who are victims of human trafficking. Sister Maria dos Santos explains that the center focuses on restoring dignity through informal conversations and creative activities. Representatives from related charitable organizations will share their testimonies with the Pope. The visit aims to offer hope and encourage the building of an inclusive society that does not leave anyone on the margins. The center helps individuals rebuild their lives without intrusive questioning about their past.
Pope Leo XIV began his visit to France on Saturday, September 26, in Paris. He first visited Maison Bakhita, a social integration center, where he emphasized dignity and peace. Later, he met with new believers and catechumens at the Catholic Institute, encouraging them to share their faith. In the afternoon, he celebrated Mass at Place de la Concorde before an estimated crowd of 800,000 people. On Sunday, the Pope traveled to Lourdes. He prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle, dedicated a renovated bridge, and will meet with French bishops and victims of abuse during his stay.
Translated from PolskiAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Archbishop Wojda, head of the Polish Bishops' Conference, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy at the Jaroslaw Abbey in Poland. He commended the soul of the deceased priest to God's mercy and offered condolences to the victim's family. The archbishop also prayed for all those injured in the attack, asking for divine hope and mercy. Additionally, he requested prayers for the perpetrator's conversion and emphasized the need for collective prayer to prevent such future tragedies. The statement was issued by the Bishops' Conference Press Office.
Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishops have sent a letter of gratitude to the Catholic Church and people of Poland. The message, signed by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, was received during a synod in Zarvanytsia, Ukraine, from July 1 to 10, 2026. The bishops thanked Polish Catholics for prayers, understanding, and generosity toward refugees displaced by the war. They specifically acknowledged the Polish Bishops' Conference for urging national support during attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The letter also recalled Pope John Paul II's 25th anniversary pilgrimage, urging unity and reconciliation against recent divisions and mutual distrust between the nations.
Caritas Poland, in partnership with Caritas-Spes Ukraine, is delivering psychological support to Ukrainian families and veterans suffering from trauma and exhaustion. The initiative operates through four specialized Family Help Centers located in Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, Odesa, and Kamianets-Podilskyi. The program offers crisis intervention, therapy, and psychoeducation to help patients regain mental stability. It includes workshops for parents and therapeutic camps for veterans and their relatives. Nina Mocior, an expert with Caritas Poland, emphasizes the importance of supporting the entire family unit to prevent isolation and suicide. The project is funded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A four-person Polish medical team specializing in gynecology, anesthesiology, and neonatology will travel to Maraã in the Brazilian Amazon starting October 7. This initiative, part of the third edition of the Pro Spe Foundation's 'Save Life' campaign, aims to address critical healthcare gaps in the region. According to the report, patients in Maraã face long travel times to reach specialists, endangering mothers and newborns. The team will provide consultations and train local hospital and clinic staff to improve emergency care and utilize existing equipment effectively. Sister Jadwiga Stawaruk coordinates the mission on-site.
A group of Ukrainian women visited Pope Leo XIV in Rome between September 21 and 26. They presented a hand-embroidered artwork and a letter from soldier Ivan Bodnariuk, thanking the Vatican for its diplomatic support. The women, who represent families of prisoners and missing persons, stated they feel strong backing from the Holy See for their humanitarian efforts. They emphasized their mission to bring their loved ones home, describing their presence in Rome as a diplomatic act to show global solidarity with Ukraine.
Somalia is trapped in a cycle of drought and floods, displacing hundreds of thousands. The country hosts around four million internally displaced people due to environmental collapse and conflict. Over 3.4 million face acute food insecurity, while 1.26 million children under five suffer from severe malnutrition. Aid workers warn that delayed treatment in remote regions leads to high mortality. More than half the population relies on international aid. Geopolitical focus on trade routes leaves the interior neglected, hindering humanitarian access and deepening the crisis.
Actor Mehdi Djaadi will present a short monologue about the diversity of young Catholics to Pope Leo XIV at the Saint-Denis stadium in France. The event will gather 80,000 young people, including traditionalists and those influenced by Taizé. Djaadi, a convert from Islam to Catholicism, aims to represent this varied group without stereotyping. He emphasizes the need for ecumenism among Catholics and unity. Born to Algerian immigrants, Djaadi discovered Jesus at 16 and was baptized in a Protestant community before converting to Catholicism in 2013 after a profound Eucharistic experience. He previously shared his conversion story in a monodrama titled 'Coming out'.
Translated from Polski
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