Catholic news for Tuesday, August 25

Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes has announced that all mosaics by Father Marko Rupnik at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Lourdes will be covered ahead of Pope Leo XIV's September visit and will remain covered indefinitely. The decision was made to ensure that the shrine welcomes everyone, especially those who are suffering. Over 100,000 pilgrims are expected to attend the pope's visit.

SourcesAngelus NewsOpokaArchdiocese of ToulouseThe Catholic SpiritVatican NewsCatholic News Agency

Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states and international organizations, has begun a 4-day visit to Russia. He will meet with Russian government, Orthodox and Catholic leaders. The visit is focused on dialogue and peace.

SourcesVatican News

Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes has banned the Fraternidad Sacerdotal San Pío X (FSSPX) from celebrating Mass and administering sacraments at the Lourdes Shrine. The decision affects the international pilgrimage of Christ the King, scheduled for October 23-26, 2026. Individual faithful are still welcome to pray privately.

SourcesFSSPX.NewsVatican NewsOpokaAlfa y OmegaACI PrensaReligión Digital

Pope Leo XIV prayed the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square. He reflected on the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Pope emphasized that faith is not something given once and for all, but rather it needs to be rediscovered and renewed every day.

SourcesHoly See Press OfficeThe Holy SeeVatican NewsDiocese of SkopjeDiocese of Hallam

Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Marsodeto Federation, a Spanish NGO that supports people with intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. He reminded them that seeing Christ in the lives of the weakest and most vulnerable enables us to grow as a human and Christian society.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of HallamDiocese of SkopjeThe Catholic Spirit

Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25 to 28, 2026. He also visited Rimini and San Marino, where he spoke about the importance of freedom of conscience and the need to be administrators of God's gifts. The Pope's visit to France will include a stop in Metz.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of Saint-BrieucAlfa y OmegaAleteiaFamiglia Cristiana

SourcesCatholic ReviewThe Catholic WeeklyDiocese of ApartadóOSV NewsThe Catholic SunThe Catholic Register

Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer has created a new study Bible to address the questions of many young Catholics abandoning their faith in the name of science. The study Bible aims to bring faith and science together. Father Spitzer hopes readers recognize that the relationship of science and reason with faith are complementary and corroborative instead of contradictory.

SourcesAngelus NewsThe Catholic TelegraphOSV NewsThe Catholic SunThe MonitorAmerica

Catholic schools review security protocols after a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Parishes balance being welcoming with security measures. Schools assess security needs on an ongoing basis.

SourcesAngelus NewsDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendCatholic ReviewThe Catholic SunOSV News

Pope Leo XIV will visit Lourdes. The Diocese of Tarbes et Lourdes is preparing for the visit. All Rupnik mosaics will be covered.

SourcesVatican NewsDiocese of Tarbes et LourdesAleteiaStacja7InfoCatólica

SourcesThe Catholic SpiritDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendThe Catholic SunOSV NewsThe Monitor

Pope Leo XIV sends greetings to the Waldensian Synod, emphasizing the need to develop technology without letting human hearts fall behind. The synod is being held in Torre Pellice, Italy, from August 22-26, 2026. The Pope's message was signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

SourcesVatican News

Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca spoke at the Meeting Rimini, a gathering for friendship among peoples. The meeting featured various discussions and encounters, including a dialogue on the "Cantico dei Cantici". The event aimed to promote dialogue and understanding in a world marked by extremism and difficulty in dialogue.

SourcesVatican NewsAgenzia SIRL'Osservatore RomanoFamiglia CristianaAgência Ecclesia

France's highest constitutional authority has carved out conscience protections for Catholic institutions and pharmacists. The move was welcomed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris. Catholic hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes will not be forced to allow euthanasia or assisted suicide on their premises.

SourcesAngelus NewsCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic RegisterCatholic World ReportThe Catholic Thing

Pope Leo XIV sends greetings to the Waldensian and Methodist Synod, emphasizing the importance of advancing technology without allowing the heart to regress. The Synod, which began in Torre Pellice, Italy, brings together 180 delegates representing around 25,000 people from 150 communities.

SourcesDiocese of Siena–Colle di Val d’Elsa–MontalcinoDiocese of Montepulciano–Chiusi–PienzaVatican NewsReligión Digital

The Holy See's top diplomat, Paul Richard Gallagher, has traveled to Moscow for talks with senior Russian officials. The visit aims to promote dialogue and peace. Gallagher will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other officials.

SourcesOpokaVatican NewsCathNews AustraliaKatholiek Nieuwsblad

Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Federación Marsodeto, a social organization that supports people with intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the gaze of Christ in the lives of the most vulnerable. The meeting took place in the Sala Clementina.

SourcesVatican NewsL'Osservatore RomanoArchdiocese of HuêACI Prensa

1300 pilgrims from Zagłębie arrived at Jasna Góra as part of the Zagłębiowska Pielgrzymka. They brought intentions from the entire Diocese of Sosnowiec, including prayers for the ongoing II Synod Diecezji Sosnowieckiej. Bishop Artur Ważny participated in the pilgrimage.

SourcesOpokaDiocese of SosnowiecDeonStacja7

Card. Matteo Zuppi celebrated Mass in Arquata del Tronto and Amatrice on the 10th anniversary of the earthquake that hit central Italy in 2016. He emphasized the importance of work and commitment to rebuild the affected areas. Zuppi also spoke about the need to overcome the culture of power and violence that destroys relationships and things.

SourcesAgenzia SIRVatican NewsToscana OggiACI Stampa

Pope Leo XIV received Paul Oga Adikwu, Nigeria's new Ambassador to the Holy See, at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. Adikwu presented his credential letters. He is a Catholic and an education specialist with a degree in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

SourcesHoly See Press OfficeVatican NewsACI Africa