Edition of Sunday, October 4

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has called on the faithful to engage in prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills during Respect Life Month this October. The theme for this year's observance is Mary, Mother of Life.

Bishop Thomas stated that easier access to abortion pills has led to rising abortion rates and increased health risks. He noted that many women undergo abortions alone at home without medical supervision due to misinformation regarding the drug's nature and risks. He also warned that this trend creates opportunities for exploitation by human traffickers or violent partners.

The Committee on Pro-Life Activities is encouraging Catholics to learn about the dangers of the abortion pill and to take action by sending messages to pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies. Bishop Thomas specifically criticized the Food and Drug Administration for enabling a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing the pill to be prescribed through telehealth appointments and sold online or at local pharmacies, which he said circumvents state laws.

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Jubilee Year to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The yearlong celebration began on January 10, 2026, and will continue until January 10, 2027. According to a decree, this jubilee serves as the culmination of previous 800th anniversaries of milestones in the saint's life, such as his composition of the Canticle of the Creatures and the receiving of the stigmata.

The Diocese of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino scheduled celebrations for October 3 and 4 to commemorate the feast of St. Francis. The events include a procession and the Transitus, a traditional Franciscan prayer service marking the saint's transition into eternal life. This service will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which contains the chapel where St. Francis died.

A walking pilgrimage through Assisi will conclude at the Basilica of St. Francis, where bells are scheduled to ring at 11:59 p.m. to herald the feast day. Franciscan Friar Giulio Cesareo, spokesman for the Basilica of St. Francis, invited parish priests and rectors of churches and shrines worldwide to ring their bells at the same time to honor the saint.

Pope Leo XIV has called on the faithful and Christian communities to pray the Rosary throughout October to seek an end to wars and the establishment of peace. During an apostolic visit to the Grotto of Lourdes, France, on September 27, the Pope asked for the intercession of the Virgin Mary to free nations from the scourge of war, specifically mentioning the Holy Land and innocent victims of violence.

The Pope encouraged people to accompany these prayers with acts of repentance, mercy, and efforts toward dialogue and reconciliation.

A Rosary for Peace was scheduled for October 1 at 17:00 in the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV joined children for this prayer, which is part of a global initiative titled "One Million Children Pray the Rosary" involving families, schools, and parishes from October 1 to 7.

Father Bernard Poggi, rector of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s seminary in Beit Jala, warned that the Christian presence in the Holy Land is under threat due to increasing pressures. Speaking during a Day of Prayer for Christians in the Middle East in Augsburg on September 13, Poggi noted that the living space for these communities is shrinking.

Poggi identified several factors making it difficult for Christians to remain in their homeland, including economic hardship, lack of jobs, restrictions on movement, and intimidation. He specifically highlighted the cumulative effect of roadblocks, inaccessible farmland, and a lack of work permits. He stated that when families feel they must leave to secure a safe future for their children, emigration is no longer a truly free decision.

The rector also expressed concern regarding rising violence from Jewish settlers against Christians, mentioning attacks on homes, vehicles, churches, and fields. He cited Taybeh, the last entirely Christian village in the West Bank, as an example of the challenges faced. Despite these pressures, Poggi noted that hope remains strong and local communities continue to be vibrant.

Pope Leo XIV remembered the Polish martyrs of Pratulin during a General Audience on September 30. He honored Blessed Wincenty Lewoniuk and his 12 companions, Greek Catholic laypeople from the Podlasie region who were killed by soldiers of the Russian Empire in the 19th century.

The martyrs died after refusing to abandon their faith to maintain communion with the successor of Peter. Marking the 30th anniversary of their beatification, the Pope asked for their intercession regarding the unity of Christians and for Catholics who face persecution for their faith today.