We Are Catholic

On the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, Sister Liji Payyapilly speaks to Vatican News about how she never imagined that in the 21st century she would see scenes reminiscent of the Second World War and bears witness to the strength that comes from prayer. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/ukraine-independence-war-hope-peace-christ-prayer-sisters.html

As he meets with the Catholic community of San Marino, Pope Leo XIV urges everyone to "walk with even greater conviction on the path of the Gospel,” following in the footsteps of the Saints Marinus and Leo, the founders of the Republic. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-in-san-marino-respond-to-conflict-by-following-gospel.html

The Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, is visiting the Russian capital from 24 to 28 August. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/holy-see-gallagher-visits-russia-foster-diplomacy-dialogue.html

As the Church celebrates the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Marion Nguyen, OSB, offers his thoughts on the day’s liturgical readings under the theme: “Encounter Beyond the Crowd." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/gospel-reflection-twenty-first-sunday-ordinary-time.html

Bishop Juan Carlos Barreto Barreto, president of Caritas Colombia, calls for assistance to continue beyond the media spotlight and also highlights the mission of 80 priests offering Spiritual First Aid to the more than 200,000 people affected by the earthquake. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/caritas-colombia-aid-cannot-end-when-the-headlines-fade.html

Addressing the International Catholic Legislators Network, Pope Leo XIV urges legislation that protects human rights and human dignity, warning that artificial intelligence must never be allowed to erode the family, the 'first school of humanity.' Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-international-catholic-legislators-network-2026.html

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities invites Catholics to pray and act to stop the spread of abortion pills from August until the end of October. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/usa-bishops-abortion-pills-pro-life-prayer-action-church.html

In his Message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo warns that war has consequences that destroy far beyond the battlefield and says that we are to imitate the Lord's offering of peace to work toward peace in the world. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-message-world-day-care-for-creation.html

The humanitarian emergency that has hit the South American country following the August 10 earthquake risks undermining social cohesion in the hardest-hit rural areas. Entire families there are still lacking basic necessities. “The main risk is that families will be separated and children will end up in the hands of trafficking networks,” warns Stefano Piziali, director general of the NGO Cesvi. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-08/colombia-earthquake-cesvi-warns-of-trafficking-risk-for-children.html

Elisabet Argemí, a nurse from ICOF Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, spoke briefly with Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo and gave him "Learning to Die in Order to Live", a book that recounts the testimony of her brother, Xavier Argemí, who died at the age of 29 from muscular dystrophy. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-08/nurse-barcelona-testimony-brother-pope-live-love.html

The vocational journey to religious life is unique for every consecrated woman. Sr. Małgorzata Cur, of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, shares her journey of faith and how her life of service has touched many people. Her path was influenced early by the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary, who served in her home parish. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/poland-a-life-of-service-and-spiritual-promotion.html

Against a backdrop of strengthened health measures, chronic insecurity, and hope surrounding vaccine trials, Catholic schools in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are preparing for the new academic year and working to ensure that young people do not lose a year of education. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/dr-congo-catholic-schools-begin-new-academic-year-amid-ebola.html

During his homily at the Pontifical Mass marking the ninth centenary of the translation of the relics of Saint Agatha in Catania, Sicily, Cardinal Pietro Parolin invited the faithful to pray for the many Christians persecuted around the world. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/cardinal-parolin-prays-for-persecuted-christians-worldwide.html

Cardinal Parolin praises the enduring witness of St. Agatha's immense faith while in Sicily as papal legate for the celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of the translation of the martyr’s relics. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/cardinal-parolin-sicily-saint-agatha-witnessed-faith-amid-trials.html

Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters have made pilgrimages to Our Lady of Piekary for generations, bringing their intentions and family stories. Pope Leo XIV greeted the pilgrims during his Angelus address in Castel One of the participants, Dominika Szczawińska, told Vatican News: “I used to come here as a young wife, praying for a child, then as a young mother, and today I am the mother of teenagers.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/thousands-of-women-honor-mary-as-tradition-unites-generations.html

Pope Leo’s appeals at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus included a call for an end to violence directed against Palestinians in the West Bank; his hopes that sporting events can be a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity; and special greetings to Polish pilgrims taking part in the annual pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Piekary Śląskie. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-renews-appeal-for-end-to-violence-in-the-west-bank.html

Pope Leo XIV reflects on the faith of the Canaanite woman, urging the Church to recognise how God’s grace works beyond established boundaries and to overcome discrimination and barriers that violate human dignity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-angelus-address-16-august-2026.html

Following Saturday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia, Catholic relief agency Caritas Indonesia has mobilized resources throughout the country to assist those affected by the disaster. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/caritas-indonesia-mobilizes-in-response-to-flores-earthquake.html

As the Church marks the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska reflects on the theme: "Good luck ignoring mom!" Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/lord-s-day-reflection-good-luck-ignoring-mom.html

The Europe’s tallest statue of Mary was blessed on August 15 in Konotopie, Poland. During the ceremony, Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski said the more than 55-meter (180-foot) monument is meant to turn people’s thoughts toward God and serve as a place of prayer. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/europe-s-tallest-statue-of-mary-blessed-in-poland.html

Pope Leo XIV reflects on how Mary’s Assumption reveals humanity’s destiny of eternal life, and prays for those suffering in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Russia and earthquake-stricken Colombia. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-angelus-assumption-15-august-2026.html

During Mass in Castel Gandolfo for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Leo XIV marvels how the Blessed Virgin Mary, through God's grace, leads us toward Heaven, insisting that love is "humanity’s most beautiful adornment," stressing that it "transfigures, transforms, ennobles and lifts us up, making us light, free and close to God, even amid life’s ups and downs." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-assumption-homily-3026-castel-gandolfo-mary-mass.html

The Church, representatives of social organizations, Indigenous peoples and communities, grassroots groups, and human rights defenders from nine regions of southern Peru gathered in Cusco to share experiences, hear about the different realities across the territories, and develop common proposals in favor of dignity, justice, peace, and the common good, as part of the Southern Macro-Regional Meeting, “Weaving Voices for Dignity.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/peru-church-organizations-defend-human-dignity-human-rights.html

From August 14 to 17, 2026, the diocese of Bougainville is celebrating 125 years of Catholic missionary presence in the North Region of the country. They honor the generations of missionaries, catechists, and local faithful who sustained the Church through war, crisis, and social change. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/papua-new-guinea-125-years-of-faith-bougainville-s-catholic-ch.html

Bishops in Australia sound alarm over antisemitism, Canada’s military bishop expresses concern over latest prayer restrictions, and more in this week’s roundup of Catholic world news.

While the August feast is “always a feast” for Dominicans, it’s not the primary one.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) criticized an executive order targeting birthright citizenship. The U.S. Catholic bishops are reviewing and monitoring the order.

The Buddhist season of Waso can offer Christians and Buddhists in conflict-torn Myanmar a shared path toward dialogue, compassion, and reconciliation, according to the Jesuits’ regional superior in the country. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/myanmar-jesuit-sees-buddhist-waso-bridge-interreligious-peace.html

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Peru in November during his South American tour, Cardinal Carlos Castillo of Lima speaks to Vatican News about the Pope’s bond with the Peruvian people and his potential to foster unity, peace and solidarity amid the country’s challenges. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/cardinal-castillo-pope-s-visit-to-peru-can-strengthen-unity-ami.html

As commercial deep-sea mining is increasingly being considered in parts of the Pacific, the Bishops of the Pacific region call for prudence, insisting that "when there exists a genuine possibility of serious or irreversible harm, the absence of complete scientific certainty should never become an excuse for proceeding without due care." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/bishops-of-the-pacific-urge-caution-over-deep-sea-mining.html

Pope Leo XIV encourages participants in the National Youth Gathering taking place from August 11–16 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, to 'turn with confidence to Jesus, who has overcome the world.' Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-encourages-young-czech-catholics-in-their-faith.html

Archbishop José Miguel Gómez Rodríguez of Manizales, Colombia, trusts that God’s providence will help the population move forward, overcome adversity, and provide care for those affected: “It was an earthquake of extraordinary violence; it seemed as though it was going to bring down absolutely everything built on the ground.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/colombia-archbishop-manizales-earthquake-was-extremely.html

The Holy See Press Office publishes the programme of the pastoral visit that Pope Leo XIV will make to the Republic of San Marino and Rimini on 22 August. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/vatican-publishes-pope-leo-s-programme-in-san-marino-and-rimini.html

Pope Leo XIV reflects on the liturgical year, describing Sunday as its “foundation and kernel” and urging Christians to participate actively in the Eucharistic celebration as a visible expression of communion with Christ and His Church. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-at-audience-the-liturgical-year-renews-christ-s-saving-work.html

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, reminds the nation's faithful that despite the immense suffering they may be facing, they are not alone, for Christ is with them, and he urges young people of the embattled nation to be 'men and women of conscience.' Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/cardinal-bo-we-are-not-alone-in-the-storm-myanmar.html

A working group comprising officials of the Diocese of Viana and Angola’s Provincial Government of Icolo and Bengo have confirmed readiness to host this year's annual Marian pilgrimage scheduled for early September. The Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima (Mama Muxima) is located in Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2026-08/angola-diocese-of-viana-prepares-for-annual-pilgrimage-to-mama.html

The powerful earthquake struck the west of the country and was felt across much of Colombia. The death toll so far stands at more than 130 confirmed fatalities, with nearly 600 people injured. Pereira is the city with the highest number of casualties, while in Manizales buildings, hospitals, schools and places of worship have been damaged. Six airports have been closed for safety inspections. Search and rescue operations are continuing. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/colombia-hit-by-devastating-earthquake-bishops-appeal-for-solid.html

Ahead the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism, civil and religious leaders come together in Jordan to begin preparations for the landmark event. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-08/jordan-begins-preparations-2-000-year-anniversary-jesus-baptism.html

In much of Asia, Catholics live as a small minority. But for Archbishop Budi Kleden, SVD, this is not a reason for discouragement. It may, instead, be one of the Church’s particular graces—an invitation to discover new and humble ways of witnessing to the Gospel. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/whispering-the-gospel-bishop-kleden-on-asia-s-quiet-witness.html

Young people from across the Mediterranean are meeting in southern Italy from 10 to 14 August for the eleventh edition of the 'Carta di Leuca', an international initiative promoting dialogue and fraternity. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/young-people-of-mediterranean-gather-in-leuca-to-build-peace.html

Following the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV expresses his concern over the ongoing violence in Sudan, Ukraine, and Russia. He calls for the conversion “of those who sow violence” and an end to “an ever-growing number of civilian casualities.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-stop-spiral-of-violence-and-make-room-for-diplomacy.html

Pope Leo writes a letter marking the 900th anniversary of the return of Saint Agatha’s relics to Catania, Sicily. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-saint-agatha-demonstrates-the-victory-of-love-over-death.html

As the Church marks the XIX Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Luke Gregory, OFM, reflects on the theme: "Take courage. Do not be afraid!" Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/the-lord-s-day-reflection-take-courage-do-not-be-afraid.html

In the Diocese of Khulna, where most Catholics come from Dalit backgrounds, the Church combines evangelisation, education and social support to help historically marginalised communities reclaim their dignity and build a better future. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/bangladesh-the-church-walks-alongside-the-dalits-toward-dignity.html

The Diocese of Calapan has been formally established and Bishop Moises Cuevas installed as its first bishop, marking its transition from decades of missionary care to a fully established local Church. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/philippines-from-missionary-territory-to-local-church-diocese.html

The third and final morning of the SIGNIS World Congress focussed on the indispensable contribution of Catholic Sisters to the Church and to society. Sr. Jane Wakahiu, PhD Associate VP of Program Operations & Head, Catholic Sisters Conrad N. Hilton Foundation reflected on her experiences of accompanying women religious around the world. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/amplifying-the-voices-of-catholic-sisters-in-the-public-square.html

During his visit to Mexico, Cardinal Pietro Parolin meets with representatives of the National Dialogue for Peace to hear firsthand about their experiences in building peace within local communities. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/cardinal-parolin-peace-begins-empathy-for-suffering-of-others.html

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is in Assisi city to inaugurate the Global House of Friendship and Hope, a new international project promoted by the Elijah Interfaith Institute. Speaking to Vatican Media, he discusses the Holy Land and expresses concern over the current situation of “neither war nor peace”. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/cardinal-pizzaballa-assisi-christians-want-peace.html

The Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Umbria and Sardinia welcomes the Pope in Piazza Santa Maria degli Angeli. He describes Assisi as a "blessed land" where young people share "faith, hope, and fraternity," seeking ways to become actively involved rather than remain mere spectators. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/franciscan-friars-assisi-school-st-francis-learn-peace-pope.html

At Santa Maria degli Angeli, the first stop on his pastoral visit, the Pope answers questions from young people and explains that Gospel radicalism is “the opposite of fundamentalism: it does not make us blind and violent, but sensitive and attentive,” and welcoming towards all. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-visit-assisi-young-people-meeting-santa-maria-angeli.html

SIGNIS Africa, the Catholic association for media practitioners, has ushered in a new board of directors. For the first time since its inception in 2001, women make up the majority of the board. The election took place on the sidelines of the SIGNIS World Congress happening in Kigali, Rwanda, from 03 August to 08 August 2026. Fr Fidele Mutabazi, a Rwandan priest of the Archdiocese of Kigali, was elected new SIGNIS Africa President. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2026-08/signis-africa-renews-its-leadership.html

Being disciples before influencers, giving a voice to the voiceless, addressing the anthropological challenges posed by artificial intelligence, safeguarding children in the digital environment, and promoting peace and care for creation were among the central themes of the first plenaries and panels of the SIGNIS World Congress taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/signis-world-congress-2026-communication-at-the-service-of-the.html

Pope Leo sends a telegram to Archbishop Chimoio, Apostolic Administrator of Xai-Xai in Mozambique, expressings his spiritual closeness following the death of Cardinal Langa, who devoted himself “with simplicity, zeal and perseverance to the flock entrusted to him, without allowing himself to be discouraged by difficulties.” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-sends-telegram-for-death-of-cardinal-who-proclaimed-peace.html

The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Leo will make an Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru in November 2026. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-to-make-apostolic-journey-to-uruguay-argentina-and-peru.html

Pope Leo delivers his fifth catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Liturgy, reflecting on the ecclesial dimension of liturgical prayer and describing the liturgy as “the place of encounter, of God’s initiative in drawing near to humanity in His Son”. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-at-audience-prayer-is-an-act-of-hope.html

At Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, opens the first formal dialogue between the Christian and Confucian traditions. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/christian-confucian-dialogue-koovakad-calls-for-working-together.html

The situation in the Spanish enclave appears to have largely returned to normal following the arrival of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco. Many families are still without news of their loved ones and fear they may have died during the crossing. On the Moroccan side of the border, Archbishop Emilio Rocha Grande of Tangier explains how the Church has organized to help them . Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/the-church-in-morocco-assists-migrants-returning-from-ceuta.html

Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic communicators gathered at the SIGNIS World Conference in Kigali to promote digital communication rooted in truth, human dignity, peace and care for creation. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-digital-communication-must-serve-truth-and-human-digni.html

Around 200 participants gathered for the first Catholic Sisters in the Legal Profession Network Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Among them are canon lawyers, civil lawyers, major superiors, safeguarding professionals, researchers, and other Church leaders. Under the theme, "Prophetic Witness, Safeguarding as an Expression of the Gospel," participants reflected on strengthening safeguarding, justice, and accountability in religious life. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2026-08/catholic-sisters-in-the-legal-profession-called-to-prophetic-wit.html

Church leaders, safeguarding experts, and Deaf advocates gather in Panama City to promote listening, accessibility, and protection for survivors of abuse. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/panama-congress-calls-church-to-safeguard-the-deaf-community.html

In Damascus, she is known as the sister who runs the “French Hospital.” For the past four years, Sr. Judita has been serving in Syria, where she and her community manage a Catholic hospital. She speaks about the fears of Christians, the exodus of young people, and the hope they strive to bring to patients every day. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/syria-serving-god-and-people-among-war-and-hardship.html

In a video message for Ecuador's 7th National Youth Day, Pope Leo XIV invites young people to follow Christ, allow the joy of encountering Him to transform their lives and inspire others to seek Him, and to let the Blessed Mother's example inspire them to embrace God's plan for their lives. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-video-message-young-people-ecuador-youth.html

During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the miracle of the loaves and the fishes and reminds the faithful that encountering Christ is a nourishing experience. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-leo-xiv-at-angelus-2-august-2026-vatican.html

In a message signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin for the opening of the Youth Festival (Mladifest), held at the shrine in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pope Leo XIV urges young people not to be seduced by the illusions of "fleeting happiness." By following Jesus, even the deepest questions and anxieties of the heart can become "an opportunity for discernment and growth in faith." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-encourages-youth-medjugorje-rediscover-beauty-in-lord.html

In the Thai coastal retreat of Hua Hin, a glass harp rang in front of 70 high school students who have gathered over the weekend to transform their bold visions into tangible social actions. Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/thailand-youth-social-hackathon-harmonics-wisdom.html

As the Church celebrates the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Edmund Power reflects on the theme: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-08/gospel-sunday-reflection-edmund-power-18th-sunday-ordinary-time.html

In a video message to the young people taking part in Peru's National Youth Day (JNJ) 2026, taking place from 30 July to 2 August in the city of Chulucanas, Pope Leo XIV insists that many people today need "the joyful and contagious witness that a young person in love with Christ can offer." Read all   source https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-08/pope-to-young-people-of-peru-be-god-s-instruments.html