Bishop Martin de Martinis, head of the Vatican’s relief agency, will travel to Ukraine from October 27 to 30 to deliver Pope Leo XIV’s message of care. This mission follows recent phone calls between the Pope and Russian President Putin, as well as Ukrainian President Zelensky, aimed at securing humanitarian aid for the besieged city of Oleshky. The bishop plans to visit communities in Kyiv, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv. The visit coincides with a special Vatican fundraising drive held from October 22 to 24, which collected winter supplies such as blankets and food to support civilians suffering from the ongoing conflict. According to reports, a ceasefire may begin in Oleshky on October 27.
On October 28, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I visited the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, marking the final stop of his pilgrimage to Loreto and Assisi. The Patriarch, who studied at the institute from 1963 to 1968, was welcomed by Dean Sunny Thomas Kokkaravalayil. Bartholomew highlighted the historical significance of October 28, referencing the 1967 meeting between Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI that advanced Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. He emphasized Christian unity and expressed gratitude for the path toward reconciliation. The visit underscored the institute's role in fostering connections between Eastern and Western churches through shared prayer and academic fellowship.
Pope Leo XIV met representatives from central Italy on October 31, marking the tenth anniversary of a devastating earthquake. The disaster killed hundreds and left approximately 10,000 people in temporary housing. The Pope emphasized that rebuilding requires shared responsibility and a prophetic vision to look beyond the ruins. He urged authorities to complete physical reconstruction safely and transparently as soon as possible. Highlighting local saints, he stated that hope demands practical action. The Pontiff encouraged the community to restart from a spiritual center, ensuring that future efforts are grounded in faith and the common good for lasting recovery.
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Archbishop Marek Solczyński, head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited Ukraine on October 29 to distribute food to those affected by the conflict. Accompanied by Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, he traveled to Zaporizhzhia and Poltava. In Zaporizhzhia, which continues to face bombardment, he celebrated Mass and helped hand out bread and canned goods to approximately two thousand people waiting in the cold. The group noted that many children arrived alone to collect supplies, highlighting the severe hardships faced by families in the region. Archbishop Jan Sobilo welcomed the delegation upon their arrival.
The Bonifacian Sisters in Jerusalem have cared for 140 Palestinian children for nearly forty years, most of whom are Muslim. Following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East in 2023, the sisters reopened their kindergarten to provide a safe space for healing and normalcy. According to the sisters, the center serves as a peace oasis where children from different backgrounds learn mutual respect. Sister Daniela Gabor stated that the community aims to demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is possible despite the surrounding violence and fear.
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