In Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, Sister Hyam Habib opened windows at the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts school to prevent breakage from nearby explosions. Residents had spotted Israeli soldiers booby-trapping houses in the occupied village of Khiam. Later, the ground shook as a powerful blast occurred, described as feeling like an earthquake. The school serves as a shelter for locals seeking safety from the escalating violence along the border.
A senior church leader expressed deep concern over renewed hostilities in a specific region of Ethiopia. Following a recent escalation between local forces and the federal government, the Pontiff urged all sides to choose dialogue over armed conflict. The violence threatens a previous peace agreement and has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Medical groups report hundreds of war injuries, while international bodies announced significant humanitarian aid. The Pope emphasized the need for global support to ensure aid reaches vulnerable civilians amidst the deteriorating security situation.
Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Monsignor Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi, president of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, reports that daily life in Kyiv is paralyzed by relentless drone attacks and explosions. He states that while the world has grown tired of the conflict, Ukrainians continue to suffer, with recent strikes injuring 28 people and killing one woman. Yazlovetskyi notes that international solidarity is weakening due to reduced aid and hostile attitudes in host countries. He warns that the approaching winter will make conditions extremely difficult, particularly in eastern Ukraine. The bishop emphasizes that while people may become accustomed to war, they cannot accept it, urging continued global prayer for peace and an end to the violence.
A religious sister from Tanzania has served in Mozambique since 2011. She and colleagues established educational and worship facilities in a northern town. Escalating violence forced them to relocate to another city. They did not flee alone, taking three orphaned children with them. Later, they cared for ten additional children. The sister emphasizes that welcoming the poor is welcoming Christ, reflecting her deep religious commitment to aiding those affected by regional conflict. This act highlights the resilience of faith communities amidst persecution and displacement in the area.
Ukrainian forces delivered approximately four tons of food and medicine to the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region using heavy drones. According to the Kherson Regional Military Administration, the supplies were lowered by cables to about one hundred locations where residents waited. This complex operation, supported by volunteers and military units, began in March because ground routes are blocked. The city, located on the left bank of the Dnipro River, has seen its population drop from 24,000 to roughly 2,000. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch report severe shortages of essentials and a dire humanitarian crisis for the remaining civilians, including the elderly and children. (Source: Vatican News)
The Pope expressed deep concern regarding renewed violence in a region of Ethiopia, including neighboring areas. He issued a heartfelt appeal for all parties to choose dialogue, stating that armed conflict only deepens problems and leads to death and destruction. The Pope emphasized that lasting peace comes only through sincere participation. He also expressed hope that the international community would provide timely humanitarian aid to those suffering. Reports indicate that clashes between local forces and the military have intensified in specific districts and along borders, causing rising tensions.
Three months after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, young Catholics in La Guaira gathered in Maiquetía to honor peers who died on June 24. The service at Plaza Jerusalén focused on celebrating the victims' faith and joy rather than the tragedy. Crystal Olivo, who lost her sisters Chantal and Clara, shared their stories alongside other youth ministry members. Aid to the Church in Need reports that the 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude quakes killed at least 6,500 people in La Guaira and Caracas. The community aims to preserve the memory of those who left an indelible spiritual mark.
A senior church leader in Colombia outlines ongoing challenges following the August 10 earthquake. He warns that the visible emergency phase is ending while families still lack safe housing and institutional support. The group emphasizes that rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities in regions like Cauca face greater barriers to aid. The leader stresses the need for early recovery that prevents rebuilding pre-existing vulnerabilities. He calls for continued international resources to ensure sustainable reconstruction and dignified living conditions for affected populations.
Human rights group ChinaAid stated that sources inside China report imprisoned pastor Wang Yi may be suffering from advanced liver cancer. Wang, founder of a church in a city in Sichuan province, has been held at a prison since late 2018. The organization urges Chinese authorities to allow family visits and provide medical care, noting that family access has been severely restricted since 2021. Wang was sentenced to nine years for inciting subversion. ChinaAid founder Bob Fu called for immediate transparency and independent medical evaluation, warning that delays could be fatal. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom also lists Wang as a prisoner of conscience.
Severe flooding in Brazil's Ribeira Valley, caused by heavy rain and the Capivari dam's controlled release, has displaced Quilombola families in Eldorado, São Paulo. The ACT Alliance has allocated USD 62,502 from its Rapid Response Fund to support KOINONIA’s emergency efforts. This three-month aid targets 200 vulnerable households, providing cash assistance, clean water, hygiene supplies, and psychosocial support. The initiative, implemented with the Movement of People Affected by Dams, aims to restore access to essential services and help communities recover from significant agricultural and infrastructure damage.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, traveled to Russia from September 28 to 30 as a papal envoy appointed by Pope Leo XIV. According to Vatican News, the visit aims to advocate for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children separated from their families. Zuppi stated that the Holy See is assessing requests from both Ukrainian and Russian sides to continue humanitarian dialogue. This marks his third mission to Russia, following previous appointments by Pope Francis. The trip follows a recent visit by Archbishop Paul Gallagher to discuss peace with Russian officials.
Human Rights Concern–Eritrea has issued an urgent appeal to UNHCR and Ethiopian authorities regarding the safety of Eritrean refugees at a camp in northern Ethiopia. The group warns that renewed armed conflict, including drone attacks, threatens these displaced individuals who previously survived the Tigray war. HRCE calls for immediate security assessments, voluntary evacuation to safe areas, and strict adherence to non-refoulement principles to prevent forced returns to Eritrea. The organization emphasizes that delays in protection could lead to further casualties and displacement, urging partners to act before the situation deteriorates. (Source: Human Rights Concern Eritrea)
Aid to the Church in Need reports that Lebanese families are forced to choose between buying food and paying school tuition fees due to ongoing conflict and economic hardship. Marielle Boutros, the charity’s project coordinator in Lebanon, states that insecurity prevents parents from spending limited resources on education. The organization currently supports nearly 13,500 pupils and over 1,000 teachers across approximately 170 schools. Recent displacement, particularly in southern Lebanon, and the 2026 war have worsened conditions, causing some schools to close or operate online. The charity aims to keep schools functioning to protect children's education and help Christian communities remain in the country.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
Henry Wilson-Smith of CAFOD, the Catholic charity in England and Wales, told Vatican News that the organization is assisting Ukraine in preparing for a harsh winter. He noted that years of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have caused widespread power outages and displacement. CAFOD and partners like Caritas Ukraine are distributing heaters, power banks, and blankets to families in frontline areas. Wilson-Smith emphasized the resilience of Ukrainians and the importance of solidarity alongside material aid. The charity also supports housing repairs and psychological help, urging international support through prayer and practical assistance.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, stated that the situation in Oleshky resembles the famine of 1932–1933. In a video address marking the 241st week of the war, he described the town as being under an artificial blockade, with residents held as hostages and used as human shields. The World Council of Churches also issued a call to end the humanitarian blockade in the Kherson region. Religious leaders in Ukraine have urged the international community and the Pope to help save thousands of residents from starvation.
The Catholic Church in Portugal marks World Migrante and Refugee Day, highlighting the psychological impact of family separation on migrant children. Cátia Sousa, coordinator of the “Sem Diferenças” project in Coimbra, explains that prolonged physical distance creates barriers in parent-child relationships. Although reunions bring joy, children struggle with new disciplinary dynamics, leading to what she calls “invisible traumas.” The interview also notes that recent changes to immigration laws and delays by AIMA have increased administrative hurdles. This has fostered distrust among families and heightened social resistance, complicating integration efforts despite support from local schools and community centers.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide highlights the severe humanitarian situation in Myanmar five years after the military coup. The regime continues to attack civilian targets, including churches and schools, while forcibly closing places of worship. Forced conscription drives many young people to flee, and the Rohingya community faces exploitation and violence despite false promises of citizenship. The organization urges global governments to impose an arms embargo to protect civilians. It also notes ongoing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice, where survivors have provided testimony. The group calls for accountability for political prisoners and support for displaced persons.
The ACT Alliance has approved 149,998 USD from its Rapid Response Fund to address a humanitarian emergency in El Salvador caused by severe drought linked to El Niño. A 57% rainfall deficit in August 2026 has devastated agriculture and food security. The three-month response, running from October 2026 to January 2027, is implemented by ALFALIT and the Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño. It will assist 738 households, totaling 3,035 people, across six departments. Beneficiaries will receive one-off cash assistance for essentials like food and healthcare, alongside psychosocial support and gender-based violence prevention sessions to strengthen community resilience. The initiative prioritizes vulnerable rural families.
Nigeria marks its 56th Independence Day while facing severe humanitarian challenges. According to the UN, terrorist violence since 2009 has killed at least 17,000 people and displaced 2.2 million. Boko Haram remains a major threat, with over 2,000 women and girls abducted, many forcibly converted or married. Armed herdsmen continue attacks in Kaduna and Nasarawa states, killing civilians and clergy. The Ekklesiar Yan’uwa church reports over 8,000 member deaths in the northeast. CSW highlights these ongoing crises as the nation celebrates independence, noting that Boko Haram was declared deadlier than Daesh in 2014.
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