We Are Catholic

In his reflections before leading the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo prays that the Church may always be "a school of humility" in following Jesus' example, as well as "a home where all are welcome", where rivalries are set aside. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-may-church-always-be-a-school-of-humility-welcoming-all.html

The Saint Curé d’Ars Major Seminary in Bujumbura hosted a national congress on the priesthood from 27 August to 30 August 2025. This event brought together Bishops and representatives of priests from all eight dioceses of the country. It had a dual purpose: to mark the centenary of the first ordinations of Burundian priests (1925 - 2025) and to celebrate the Jubilee Year observed by the universal Church. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-08/burundi-soul-searching-and-renewed-hope-at-priestly-congress-in.html

Authorities say a Ukrainian politician who previously served as the parliament speaker has been shot dead in the western city of Lviv. Saturday’s killing came on the day that officials said Moscow launched more than 500 drones and 45 missiles against 14 regions, killing at least one person and wounding some 24 others, including children. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/ukrainian-politician-murdered-lviv-russian-attacks-kyiv.html

Pope Leo XIV will preside at the opening Mass for the General Chapter of the Order of St. Augustine on September 1 in the Basilica of St. Augustine in Campo Marzio, Rome. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-to-open-augustinian-general-chapter.html

An Irish missionary has been released from captivity in Haiti, along with 6 orphanage staff and a 3-year-old child, following a kidnap ordeal that lasted nearly a month. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/haiti-irish-missionary-orphanage-staff-free-after-abduction.html

As the Church marks the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Abbot Marion Nguyen reflects on "The false virtues: why our culture's strengths are really sins". Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/lord-s-day-reflection-false-virtues.html

Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the St. Andrew School of Evangelization, and invites all Christians to embrace our mission to proclaim Jesus Christ. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-saint-andrew-school-evangelization-audience.html

The Catholic Church in South Korea is set to relaunch the “Pro-Life Movement” nationwide as bishops and organizations intensify opposition to proposed legislative changes on abortion and growing calls for euthanasia. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/south-korea-bishops-pro-life-abortion-euthanasia.html

Pope Leo sends a videomessage to the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova on the feast of their spiritual father. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-to-augustinians-peace-begins-with-what-we-say-and-do.html

The church in the United States expresses its grief and condolences following Wednesday's tragedy in Minneapolis, where a young man opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. The attack resulted in the deaths of two children and around seventeen injured before the shooter took his own life. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/church-in-us-in-mourning-following-minneapolis-tragedy.html

SIGNIS Africa President, Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika, has said that the recent SECAM Plenary Assembly of Africa’s Catholic Bishops has warmly welcomed the Catholic communication association’s plans to hold the SIGNIS World Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, next year. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-08/africa-to-host-landmark-world-congress-2026-for-catholic-media-p.html

In a message to French elected officials, Pope Leo insists on the need for Christian political leaders to turn to Jesus, to live their faith without compromise and bear witness to Him in order to face modern challenges and make the world a better place. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-values-without-christ-cannot-change-the-world.html

Stay or go? Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem—and throughout the West Bank—face this dilemma. Shahinda Nassar shares the pain she feels when her 16-year-old daughter presses her to leave Bethlehem, as well as the obligation she feels to stay and maintain the Christian presence. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/west-bank-mother-testimonial-cnewa-christian-presence.html

Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of Hakha says the faith of Catholics in Chin State, Myanmar, remains resilient after airstrikes by the Burmese army destroyed the Church of Christ the King in Falam earlier this year. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/myanmar-church-destroyed-chin-state-bishop-faith.html

Sister Veronica lived in a French lay order and was later sent to Sweden. In Rögle, she has met people who are not Catholic, but who nevertheless visit the Dominican sisters’ convent to find themselves and silence. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/sisters-project-142-sweden-rogle-dominican-convent.html

Following the Israeli government’s approved plan to take control of Gaza, the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem call for an end to the war, stressing “there has been enough destruction” and highlighting the need for "families on all sides—who have suffered for far too long” to be able to start healing. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/greek-latin-patriarchates-jerusalem-on-gaza-war-must-end.html

Pope Leo XIV releases the theme for the 2026 World Day of Peace, “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace,” as the Vatican Publishing House produces a book entitled “And Let There Be Peace.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-theme-2026-world-day-peace-lev-book.html

At the opening of the 75th National Liturgical Week in Naples, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reflects on how the liturgy embodies the Jubilee Year’s central theme of hope, interwoven with faith and charity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/parolin-the-liturgy-a-place-of-closeness-hope.html

Pope Leo XIV commemorates the anniversary and witness of Fr. Andrius Rudamina, a Lithuanian-born Jesuit who traveled more than 5,000 miles to India in 1625 to preach the Gospel. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-sends-telegram-for-400th-anniversary-of-first-lithuanian-in.html

Marking the tenth anniversary of the papal encyclical Laudato si’, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to open Castel Gandolfo’s Laudato Si’ Village, a place where spirituality, education, and care for creation come together. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-to-inaugurate-borgo-laudato-si.html

The Catholic Church in Thailand is stepping up efforts to strengthen pastoral care for the Deaf, beginning with a training program for seminarians at Fatima Minor Seminary in the Archdiocese of Thare-Nongseng in the northeast of the country. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/thailand-major-seminarians-training-deaf-ministry-sign-language.html

On Ukraine’s national feast, Pope Leo XIV send a message to the president of the war-torn nation, assuring his prayers for the country and its people. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-sends-message-of-closeness-to-ukraine-on-national-feast.html

On the day Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, three and a half years after the Russian invasion, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk speaks about the sufferings and hopes of the Ukrainian people. The head of the Greek Catholic Church also expresses his gratitude for international solidarity and reaffirms his total trust in God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/shevchuk-there-is-great-hope-that-the-war-in-ukraine-will-end.html

At the Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples in Rimini, the Pope recalls that mission is not self-promotion but humble witness, lived in closeness and fraternity, even to the gift of one’s life Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/pope-leo-and-the-witness-of-the-algerian-martyrs.html

Pope Leo XIV urges consecrated women to be signs of hope and prophecy, renewing their service to families and transmitting the virtues of the Holy Family. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-religious-are-called-to-be-witnesses-and-prophecy-of-hope.html

Speaking to a delegation of the Chagos Refugees Group, the Pope praises their resilience and dedication to fighting for their homeland and encourages them to “resolutely look toward the future.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-to-chagossian-refugees-all-peoples-must-be-respected.html

Pope Leo meets Catholic legislators and urges them to build a world rooted in justice, conscience, and love of God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-choose-love-of-god-and-neighbour-for-true-human-flourishin.html

Pope Leo XIV reaffirms that "in our world bearing deep scars of conflict, inequality, environmental degradation and a growing sense of spiritual disconnection," it is especially crucial for Christians to continue working and praying together in his message of greetings to participants in the 2025 Ecumenical Week in Stockholm, Sweden. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-greets-ecumenical-week-in-stockholm.html

The Vicar General of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi explains the dire situation the country is facing after the floods and the recovery efforts Christian communities are making to offer support. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/pakistan-floods-churches-schools-parishes-open-doors-to-help.html

Pope Leo XIV receives the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, in the Vatican on Friday. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-president-of-the-republic-of-seychelle.html

The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) concluded its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra, Ghana, on 17 August 2025, issuing a strong appeal for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-08/catholic-journalists-in-africa-call-for-ethical-journalism-in-th.html

Ahead of the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on August 22, called by Pope Leo XIV, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem highlights the power of prayer to open people to trust and seek to do good, even in the Holy Land, where finding common ground is nearly impossible. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/patriarch-pizzaballa-holy-land-day-prayer-fasting-peace.html

Pope Leo XIV invites participants in the 46th Meeting of Friendship Among Peoples to remember that peace is made up of daily gestures, and warns that the digital revolution poses a series of risks and challenges. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-rimini-meeting.html

The Holy See has reiterated the Church’s closeness to the people of Haiti, reaffirming its constant support for efforts to promote peace and stability in the violence-ridden nation. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/holy-see-haiti-crisis-peace-organization-american-states.html

The Dicastery for Culture and Education is aimed at evangelization through the development of human and Christian values. The Dicastery is divided into “Culture” and “Education” sections, which work together, within their respective areas of expertise, in an integrated and coordinated manner. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/dicastery-for-culture-and-education.html

Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting on 22 August for peace, and calls for a "disarmed and disarming peace" in all places torn by armed conflict. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-calls-for-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-for-peace.html

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV illustrates to the faithful how Jesus' love, despite being betrayed, did not allow evil to have the last word, and "that there is always a way to continue to love, even when everything seems irredeemably compromised." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-general-audience-20-august-2025.html

As World Humanitarian Day is observed globally today, August 19th, Caritas Internationalis, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church, is calling on those with the power to end violence worldwide to do so and to protect each human life. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/caritas-global-observance-of-world-humanitarian-day-19-august.html

In the latest issue of the magazine Piazza San Pietro, Pope Leo XIV responds to a letter from Laura, who shared in the pages of the magazine some of her struggles with faith. The Pontiff advises keeping the Virgin Mary firmly as a point of reference and encourages "calling difficulties by name." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-st-peters-basilica-response-mother.html

In the wake of the deadly flooding that killed more than 300 across Pakistan, India and Nepal, relief and rescue efforts resume in the worst-hit country of Pakistan after heavy rains in rain-hit areas disrupted emergency efforts. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/pakistan-resumes-relief-work-after-heavy-rains-disrupted-efforts.html

As tens of thousands of women make an annual Marian pilgrimage, the Apostolic Nuncio to Poland urges Catholics to ensure that their lives embody the face and love of God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/poland-piekary-shrine-nunzio-pope-leo-xiv-greetings.html

More than 90,000 Catholics converged on the national shrine of Our Lady of La Vang in central Vietnam on August 15 to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/vietnam-catholics-celebration-la-vang-shrine-feast-assumption.html

The Philippine government has assured the country’s Catholic bishops that it is committing billions of pesos to tackle what Church leaders have described as a national crisis in child nutrition and education. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/philippines-government-pledge-education-nutrition-bishops.html

Before leading the recitation of the Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that "acting in truth has its cost, because there are those in the world who choose lies." He urges us "not to respond to insolence with vengeance." Jesus asks us to remain "faithful to the truth in love," like the martyrs, whom we can imitate "in different circumstances and ways." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-the-lord-invites-us-to-persevere-in-doing-good.html

During his Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo remembers victims and their families after flash floods kill more than 300 people in Pakistan, Nepal, and India-administered Kashmir. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-extends-prayers-to-flood-victims-in-pakistan-nepal-india.html

In the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano, Pope Leo presided over Mass and expressed his gratitude for the diocese in serving others whilst reminding them that each person “is a gift to others.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-in-albano-no-distinction-between-those-who-serve-and-served.html

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV's imminent visit to Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano to celebrate Mass with the poor, the Shrine's Rector Father Adriano Gibellini, shares the atmosphere of anticipation ahead of the Pope’s arrival and recalls the roots of an ancient place associated with protection from the plague, refugees during World War II, and the current presence of immigrants who entrust themselves to the Blessed Mother. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/rector-of-shrine-in-albano-elated-to-welcome-pope-leo.html

Bolivia is holding its Presidential Election on Sunday, amidst its worst economic crisis in twenty years. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/bolivia-to-hold-presidential-elections-on-sunday.html

During the Angelus prayer at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV urges everyone as pilgrims on the journey of life to turn their gaze to Mary, the Mother of God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-at-angelus-mary-is-an-icon-of-hope.html

The Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Kuwait has been elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica, with Bishop Aldo Berardi calling it “the first of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/kuwait-our-lady-arabia-elevated-minor-basilica.html

In a message to participants in the Peruvian Church’s Social Week, Pope Leo XIV recalls the love the saints bore for the image of God in all people, and urges those who work for social justice to avoid turning to violence or sinning against charity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-message-peru-social-justice-week.html

Around 14,000 of the faithful joined Pope Leo XIV at the weekly General Audience in the Paul VI Hall and St. Peter's Basilica, including several Hebrew-speaking Catholics from Israel. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/general-audience-pope-leo-hebrew-catholics-israel.html

Religious sisters in Goa gathered on August 13 for a regional assembly tackling trafficking, focusing on prevention, protection, and restoring dignity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/india-sisters-talitha-kum-human-trafficking-prevention.html

Nearly 70 seminary educators from across Vietnam meet in Sam Son parish, Thanh Hoa diocese, for the 2025 Conference of Major Seminaries. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/vietnam-major-seminaries-formation-teams-training.html

The Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life is competent for enhancing the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of young people, the family and its mission according to God’s plan, the elderly, and for the promotion and protection of life. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/dicastery-for-the-laity-the-family-and-life.html

Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, addresses a congress on peacebuikding, highlighting the Holy See's efforts, throughout the years, to promote a culture of peace and encounter. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/holy-see-outlines-peacebuilding-role-at-chilean-congress.html

Despite deep cuts to the United States' foreign aid funding, Catholic aid organizations are working to continue providing humanitarian aid to communities in need throughout the Middle East. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/cnewa-church-aid-serving-middle-east-despite-usaid-funding-cuts.html

The Diocese of Sumbe in Angola has concluded its 50th-anniversary Jubilee with the ordination of 28 new priests. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-08/angola-diocese-of-sumbe-celebrates-jubilee-year-and-ordains-28.html

As famine steals lives in war-torn Gaza, parents face agonizing choices to secure food for their children, who increasingly go hungry amid rampant inflation and a dire lack of food and assistance. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/gaza-famine-families-struggle-to-survive-ongoing-war.html

Bishop Mark Eckman of the US city of Pittsburgh prays for the comfort of all those hurting after the deadly explosions on Monday at the Clairton Coke Works, and reflects that "at times like this, our faith calls us to stand together in compassion, in prayer, and in care for one another." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/pittsburgh-bishop-comfort-hurting-after-steel-works-explosion.html

Archbishop Max Leroy Mesidor, the President of the Haitian Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, expresses to Vatican News the Haitian Bishops' gratitude for Pope Leo XIV's appeal for their nation on Sunday, while lamenting however that crime in the country "knows no bounds." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/president-of-haitian-bishops-conference-thanks-pope-leo-appeal.html

The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, welcomes reports that two million Afghanis, including half-a-million children, returned home to Afghanistan this year, but warns of critical challenges in the country and inherent in society, especially for girls. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/two-million-afghanis-returned-afghanistan-2025-unicef-un.html

Religious sisters of the Benedictine Order have offered a place of prayer and silence at the Sacred Heart Convent in Omberg, Sweden, since 1997, welcoming anyone searching for a way to draw near to God. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/sisters-project-139-sweden-benedictine-nuns-sacred-heart-convent.html

At the Sunday Angelus, the Pope makes a heartfelt appeal to international decision-makers to take responsibility for seeking solutions to conflicts. He expresses satisfaction over the new peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also deep sorrow for the violence that continues to devastate Haiti. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-angelus-armenia-azerbaijan-haiti-atomic-bomb.html

Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to share not only material goods but time, presence, and empathy. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-at-ange-invest-the-treasure-of-your-life-in-love-and-mercy.html

Pope Leo appoints Cardinal Mario Grech as Special Envoy to the celebration marking fifty years since the coronation of the altarpiece of the Assumption, venerated in the Cathedral of Gozo, Malta. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-appoints-cardinal-grech-envoy-50-anniversary-assumtion-gozo.html

A new General Executive Decree lays out rules of transparency, control, and competition in the awarding of public contracts by the Holy See and the Vatican City State. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/holy-see-regulation-published-for-contracts.html

The International Day of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples emphasises the rights of indigenous peoples to remain separated from the rest of the world. In Peru, the Mashco Piro communities are the invisible guardians of the Amazon - now under threat from extractive industries. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/international-day-of-the-world-s-indigenous-peoples-2025.html

As Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest number of social media users, Caritas is trying to prevent further cases by offering guidance to young people in the dioceses. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/caritas-vietnam-protect-people-from-human-trafficking.html

The Catholic Bishops of Indonesia urge the government in Jakarta to act firmly against all forms of intolerance, especially when accompanied by violence, following a series of recent attacks on Christian places of worship and institutions. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/indonesian-bishops-urge-firm-action-to-protect-religious-freedom.html

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday receives in audience a group of pilgrims from Venice, including three inmates of the city’s Santa Maria Maggiore prison. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-welcomes-venetian-inmates-on-jubilee-pilgrimage.html

Officials say U.S. President Donald J. Trump is seeking a direct, face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week, in a bid to end Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The announcement followed talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Putin in Moscow. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/russia-ukraine-war-united-states-sanctions-talks.html

The death toll from starvation in Gaza continues to rise. The UN and other aid organizations are warning of a catastrophic situation. WFP Chief, Cindy McCain, says airdrops are not the right solution in a famine situation such as the one unfolding in Gaza where 500,000 people are starving TODAY. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/gaza-war-israel-palestine-starvation.html

Marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Cardinal Cupich who is on a Pilgrimage of Peace with other US Church leaders, celebrates Mass in Nagasaki, offering a stark assessment of the U.S. decision to use atomic weapons in World War II. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/cardinal-cupich-homily-80-anniversary-nagasaki-atomic-bombing-us.html

The Church in the United States makes a pilgrimage for Peace to Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Japan. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/us-church-leaders-pilgrimage-peace-anniversary-nuclear-bombings.html

Pope Leo XIV sends a message to the Knights of Columbus thanking them for their service for the most needy, a service which he says stems from their founder Michael McGivney. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-urges-knights-of-columbus-to-be-sings-of-hope.html

In Hiroshima, on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, Cardinal Blase Cupich presides over Mass for peace on the Feast of the Transfiguration. In his homily, he echoes Pope Francis’ call to remember, journey together, and protect one another, urging the global community to reject division and choose the path of peace. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/cardinal-cupich-anniversary-hiroshima-bombing-mass-peace-atomic.html

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to address the hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip, following the release this week of videos by Palestinian militias showing them suffering from starvation. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/the-horror-of-war-shown-in-the-starving-hostages-held-in-gaza.html

Elie Hasrouty, a Lebanese engineer whose father was among the hundreds killed in the 2020 Beirut port blast, tells Vatican News that he wants the tragedy to inspire his fellow citizens to “come together, act, organise and pray”. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/elie-hasrouty-beirut-port-blast-five-years-justice-denied-pope.html

In a message on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, Pope Leo XIV urges the international community to renew its commitment to pursue lasting peace for our whole human family. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-may-hiroshima-anniversary-serve-as-a-call-to-pursue-peace.html

Following the reignition of conflict in the northeastern part of Ghana, the Minister of the Upper East Region of the country urges local Catholic leaders to use their influence to achieve peace. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/apostolic-nuncio-to-ghana-praises-hospitality-amidst-conflict.html

An important alliance has been signed to promote the conservation of cultural heritage and sustainable development in African countries. The innovative project will offer new opportunities for young local artisans and artists, helping to build stronger and more prosperous communities. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/iccrom-and-fabbrica-san-pietro-inagurate-partnership-for-africa.html

A vigil was held on Sunday 4 August in Beirut in an area adjacent to the site of the port explosion tragedy exactly five years ago on 4 August 2020. A message from Pope Leo XIV read during the vigil expressed his closeness with the people. Apostolic Nunzio, Archbishop Borgia says, “the families of the victims need justice and truth about what happened. These are deaths that still have no explanation, and this weighs heavily on the whole country.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/pope-shares-closeness-with-beirut-anniversary-port-explosion.html

The 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly, held in Kigali, Rwanda, concluded on Sunday at the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho. The newly re-elected President of SECAM, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, assured pilgrims that Africa has every reason to be optimistic about its future. He emphasised that this future lies in the hands of young people, who continue to embrace the faith. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-08/secam-bishops-celebrate-close-plenary-assembly-with-young-people.html

The Palestinian government on Sunday called on the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to fully reopen border crossings into Gaza, citing worsening humanitarian conditions. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/palestine-appeal-internationla-community-israel-starvation-war.html

Pope Leo XIV sends a message to the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), praying their deliberations on the theme of 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace' will highlight "the importance of fostering an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ..." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-telegram-message-secam-20th-plenary-assembly.html

During the Mass for the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo XIV reminds the young people that Jesus is our hope, and urges them to "adventure with the Lord toward eternity" as the Lord is "gently knocking" at the door of their soul. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-at-youth-jubilee-mass-adventure-with-the-lord.html

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens by the day, a UNICEF official warns that children are dying at unprecedented rates, famine poses a grave risk, and a disease outbreak may be looming. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/gaza-is-on-verge-of-famine-needs-are-enormous.html

Pope Leo XIV welcomes artists ahead of their animating the Jubilee Youth Vigil at Tor Vergata on Saturday evening, and invites them to remind young people that it is the Lord in whom they find true joy and happiness. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-leo-xiv-welcomes-artists-ahead-of-jubilee-youth-vigil.html

Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, speaks at the opening of the 20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, recalling fruits of SECAM's initiatives in the past, and reassuring the African Bishops of his Dicastery's readiness to accompany them in the future. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/20th-plenary-assembly-secam-cardinal-michael-czerny.html

To mark the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, "Care for Aging Sisters Association Kenya" (CASAK) paid a heartfelt visit to the elderly sisters of the Assumption Sisters congregation in Nairobi’s Lang’ata. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2025-07/world-day-elderly-nairobi-kenya-religious.html

Young Austrians participating in the Jubilee of Young People express their joy of being together to look toward Jesus, when often "one stands alone in faith," and reflect that while of course examining how to work toward peace on global issues is a priority, that they also are discussing issues 'closer to home' including in one's family and community. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/i-m-really-excited-for-us-to-be-together-looking-to-jesus.html

Arriving in Rome with some young people—refugees in Europe with their families due to the civil war that broke out in 2011—the Franciscan friar of the Custody of the Holy Land shares with Vatican Media the difficulties faced by the parish of St. Francis of Assisi following recent attacks. However, he also bears witness to the “daily miracle” of a living Christian community of over 1,200 faithful, who continue to persevere with faith and hope. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-08/jubilee-the-hope-of-brother-george-from-aleppo.html