The Church in Europe

Pope Leo XIV received a delegation of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame during an audience in the Paul VI Hall on October 31, 2026. The Pope welcomed the group as part of their pilgrimage to Rome, which included the university basketball teams scheduled to play against each other the following day at the PalaEur in Rome for the opening of university championships.

During the meeting, the Pope greeted Villanova President Father Peter Donohue and Notre Dame President Father Robert Dowd. He spoke about the role of sports in academic communities and society, describing athletics as a concrete way to bring people together and overcome distances created by technology. He noted that the Church views sport as a tool to promote human dignity, integral development, education, and relationships, specifically highlighting values such as fraternity, solidarity, and peace.

The Pope also addressed the personal nature of growth, stating that neither champions nor saints are born, but rather require daily practice. He encouraged athletes and supporters to move beyond competition to meet, respect, and support one another.

Pope Leo XIV has chosen the theme "The love of Christ sends us forth" for the 101st World Mission Day. The 2027 observance will take place on Sunday, 24 October 2027.

Based on 2 Cor. 5:14, the theme highlights how the love of Christ serves as the motivation for proclaiming the Gospel and serving others.

The Holy See will publish a message from the Pope in the first months of 2027 to guide the reflection and missionary formation of Christian communities.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Francesco Cavina as the new special apostolic visitor for the parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The appointment is for an indefinite period.

Bishop Cavina, the bishop emeritus of Carpi, succeeds Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Nuncio, who submitted his resignation from the office. Bishop Cavina will provide pastoral accompaniment to the parish community and pilgrims at the Marian shrine.

Bishop Cavina was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Imola on May 15, 1980. He served in various roles, including at the Vatican Secretariat of State, before being named bishop of Carpi in 2011. He has served as bishop emeritus of Carpi since 2019.

Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves presided over a funeral Mass for victims of a train crash on October 31 at the Saint John the Baptist parish in Urda. The accident occurred on October 28 near the town.

During his homily, Archbishop Cerro Chaves asked society not to forget the tragedy and expressed hope that such events would not be repeated so that people might learn to care more for life. He also thanked the local communities of Urda and Los Yébenes for their service and stated that the Church stands with all victims and those affected by the accident.

The liturgy was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Francisco-César García Magán, Bishop of Albacete Ángel Román Idígoras, and the priests of Urda and Los Yébenes, along with several other priests from the La Mancha episcopal vicariate. Civil and military authorities, including Emiliano García-Page, president of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, were also in attendance.

Pope Leo XIV told athletes and university members that sports promote cooperation and mutual sharing in an age characterized by distance.

The Pope spoke to participants from the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University during their visit to Rome for a basketball game held on the Solemnity of All Saints. During his address, he also reminded the group of the call to holiness in daily life.

Pope Leo XIV met with delegations from municipalities in Central Italy affected by earthquakes ten years ago. During the audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace on October 31, 2026, the pope called for urgent and concrete responses to accelerate the reconstruction of these areas.

The pope stated that rebuilding requires more than good intentions or disorganized volunteer work. He emphasized the need for a shared responsibility and a vision to discern how to rebuild homes and cities from the ruins. He noted that reconstruction must include not only physical buildings but also the elements that provide meaning and a foundation for the community.

In his address, the pope referenced the Book of Nehemiah and the encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas* to illustrate the importance of a communal approach to rebuilding. He encouraged the delegates to maintain hope through solidarity, commitment, and actions that transform difficult circumstances into something good.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Martial Bernard as the bishop of Soissons on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Bernard serves as the vicar general of the Diocese of Évry-Corbeil-Essonnes.

His episcopal ordination is scheduled for Sunday, December 20, at the Cathedral of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais in Soissons.

A candlelight prayer gathering takes place on the grounds of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. The event marks the end of October, a month traditionally dedicated to Marian prayer.

Participants will invoke Salus Populi Romani to ask for protection for those suffering from violence and division worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot for the United States midterm congressional elections. The Holy See Press Office confirmed the Pope sent his ballot to Chicago.

The Pope, formerly American citizen Francis Robert Prevost, stated his belief in the right and duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes. The Press Office noted he has exercised his right to vote as a United States citizen whenever the opportunity has arisen.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado as the new prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, effective November 1, 2026. Alvarado previously served as the president and chief operating officer of EWTN News.

She succeeds Dr. Paolo Ruffini, who is concluding eight years of service as the first layperson to lead a department of the Roman Curia. In announcing the appointment, Pope Leo XIV thanked Ruffini for his leadership.

The dicastery oversees the media and communication work of the Holy See, including Vatican News, Vatican Media, Vatican Radio, L’Osservatore Romano, the Holy See Press Office, and the Vatican publishing house.

Pope Leo XIV appointed two new undersecretaries for the General Secretariat of the Synod on Friday, October 30. The appointees are Father Giacomo Costa, a Jesuit and former consultant for the secretariat, and Sister Elena Massimi, a Salesian professor of liturgy and sacramentology at the Salesian University in Rome.

The embassies of Portugal and the Republic of Korea to the Holy See held a conference in Rome on October 30 to discuss the role of World Youth Day in promoting peace and dialogue. Held at the Portuguese Embassy as part of the Festival of Diplomacy, the event examined the transition from the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon to the 2027 event in Seoul.

Ambassador Paiva of Portugal noted that younger generations act concretely when they promote forgiveness in their communities and use social networks to counter hate speech. South Korean Ambassador Hyung-sik Shin stated that Seoul will serve as a platform to overcome divisions between religions, cultures, and generations. He described the 2027 gathering as a synodal journey, noting it will be the first international World Youth Day held in a country without a Catholic majority and with a non-European language.

The conference followed the theme of a courageous, respectful, and peaceful future. Ambassador Shin said the event would allow the world's youth to engage in sincere dialogue and prayer to become companions of peace.

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue sent a message to Hindu faithful for the upcoming Deepavali celebrations on November 8. The message, titled "Hindus and Christians: forging pathways of peace together in the 'spirit of Assisi'," offers festive wishes to Hindu communities.

The Dicastery connects the holiday to the 40th anniversary of the 1986 meeting in Assisi, where Pope John Paul II invited representatives of world religions to pray for peace. The message suggests that Hindus and Christians can find new inspiration in this anniversary to live with daily fraternity and engage in interreligious dialogue.

The Dicastery stated that increasing fraternity between different faiths helps peace take root in the world. The message describes dialogue as a vital necessity at the heart of the spirit of Assisi.

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences Office of Social Communications (FABC-OSC) has called on regional bishops' conferences to adopt safeguards for artificial intelligence and increase support for digital missionaries. Following a five-day meeting in Macau, the FABC-OSC issued a statement signed by chairman Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. requesting that episcopal conferences establish pastoral AI policies appropriate to their specific contexts.

The FABC-OSC urged the implementation of digital literacy programs and the creation of authentic Church resources in local languages. To support those working online, the bishops announced plans to form a regional committee to train and support digital missionaries. The OSC and Radio Veritas Asia also pledged to promote the Asian Catholic Digital Missionaries Network to integrate digital work into the evangelization mission of the Church.

The meeting coincided with the 450th anniversary of the Diocese of Macau. During the gathering, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, delivered a talk titled "Magnifica Humanitas: Synodal Ways for Evangelization in Asia" at Macau Cathedral. The FABC-OSC statement also identified digital threats such as deepfakes, cyber scams, online sexual exploitation, unequal technology access, and exploited labor.

The presidents of the European bishops' conferences issued an appeal for just and sustainable peace in Ukraine and all global conflict zones at the conclusion of their plenary assembly in Salzburg, Austria. In a statement released on October 30, the leaders called for an end to wars and conflicts, stating that true peace begins in the human heart rather than through negotiated agreements.

During the assembly, the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) elected new leadership. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas was re-elected as president, while Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop Dražen Kutleša were elected as vice-presidents.

The bishops noted that Europe is facing its largest military conflict since World War II and urged against becoming indifferent to atrocities in Ukraine. The appeal also referenced Saint Francis of Assisi, noting that Christians can pave the way for peace through forgiveness.

A papal almoner delivered aid from Pope Leo XIV to 2,000 children and displaced persons in Ukraine. The distribution included food and visits to an underground school and clergy in Poltava.

Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo will preside over a funeral Mass for the victims of a train accident this Saturday, October 31, at the Saint John the Baptist parish church in Urda. The liturgy is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and will be assisted by auxiliary bishop Francisco-César García Magán.

The funeral Mass follows a train accident that occurred this past Wednesday near the town. The priest of Los Yébenes, Fernando Fernández de Bobadilla, will concelebrate the Mass. Parishes from both Urda and Los Yébenes are participating in the service, which is expected to include regional, provincial, and local authorities.

The image of the Christ of the Vera-Cruz, also known as the Christ of La Mancha, will be present for the service. The statue will be moved in a procession from its basilica to the parish church at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30. It will remain at the Saint John the Baptist church until the conclusion of the funeral on Saturday night.

Pope Leo XIV told young people to live without fear during a gathering at the Stade de France on Friday, September 25.

Bishop Denis Moutel of Saint-Brieuc and Tréguier noted in an editorial that the Pope encouraged the youth to look to Christ to find hope. The Pope told the group they are the saints of France and urged them to grow in holiness by choosing good rather than simply avoiding evil.

Bishop Moutel stated that the papal call to be witnesses to the Gospel is particularly relevant in France as the fascination with violence and evil increases. He encouraged people to choose hope, life, freedom, and responsibility.

The Conference of European Bishops (CCEE) elected its new presidency for the 2026–2031 term during a plenary meeting in Salzburg on October 29. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius was re-elected to the presidency.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dražen Kutleša of Zagreb were elected as vice presidents.

The plenary assembly took place between October 27 and October 30. The meeting focused on the theme of evangelization and synodality regarding the mission of priests in Europe. The presidents of European episcopal conferences met to discuss strengthening priestly ministry and the Church's evangelizing mission amidst the social, cultural, and pastoral challenges of the continent.

The Diocese of Tarnów announced on October 29 that it will appeal the conviction of Bishop Andrzej Jeż. The Tarnów District Court found the bishop guilty of failing to promptly notify law enforcement about sexual offenses committed by two priests under his supervision.

The court ordered the bishop to donate 25% of his monthly salary to the Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę foundation for two years and to pay 20,000 złotys to a Polish government fund for crime victims and their families.

The diocese stated that it does not agree with the decision and noted that the verdict is not final. In a statement, the curia noted that formal reports were made to law enforcement in both cases and that other individuals and state institutions also possessed knowledge of the matters. Defense lawyers will request a written justification of the verdict to prepare the appeal.

The International Catholic Migration Commission will meet in Rome from November 10 to 12 to mark its 75th anniversary. Members representing episcopal conferences and local Church communities will elect a new president and approve a new organizational strategy during the meeting.

Father Fernando Fernández de Bobadilla, the parish priest of Los Yébenes, administered general absolution to victims following a high-speed train collision in Urda, Spain, on Wednesday, October 28.

The priest arrived at the scene before many emergency responders after being notified of the accident by a friend. Because he could not provide individual confessions to everyone in the immediate danger of death, he granted collective sacramental absolution. He stated he spoke loudly to those facing death to prepare them for the possibility of passing away.

The collision between two high-speed trains traveling from Madrid to Seville resulted in at least 68 or 69 deaths and 107 injuries. During his time at the site, Father Fernández de Bobadilla also assisted rescuers by moving the injured on stretchers and providing spiritual comfort to survivors.

The accident occurred in the Archdiocese of Toledo, approximately two hours from Madrid. Spain is observing three days of national mourning following the crash.

Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the prefect of the Dicastery for Charity, visited Ukraine on October 28 to meet with people and organizations affected by the war. Traveling on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, the archbishop met with humanitarian centers and Church communities to offer support to families, children, older people, and soldiers.

During his visit to two cities, the archbishop met with volunteers and religious communities providing food, shelter, and psychological support. He observed students in classrooms and children waiting in lines for bread. Archbishop Marín de San Martín stated that the war, which began with the Russian invasion in February 2022, should not leave Christians indifferent.

The visit coincides with a Vatican effort to provide material aid. Vatican employees organized a collection of goods, including 600 boxes of food, blankets, and winter clothing, which were sent to Ukraine in several trucks.

Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru from November 11 to 16 as part of an apostolic journey to South America. The Pope, an Augustinian who previously served as a missionary and as the bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023, will be the third pope to visit the country following John Paul II and Francis.

During his time in Peru, the Pope is scheduled to return to Chiclayo on November 13 to celebrate Mass in the Pampas of Pimentel. This date coincides with the anniversary of the birth of St. Augustine. His itinerary in the region includes celebrations at the Chiclayo Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace, and visits to Zaña and the Catholic University Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo. On Saturday, November 14, the Pope will preside over the rite of coronation of the Virgin Immaculate at the Chiclayo Cathedral.

Sister María Antonieta García Carrizales, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, noted that preparations are underway in Peru to receive the Pontiff. She said his presence would provide a new impulse for the Church and offer ways to engage young people in their faith.

Bishop Charles Morerod will lead a day of prayer for victims of sexual abuse on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at St-Maurice Church in Fribourg. The 9h gathering is part of a new annual observance established by the Conference of Bishops to coincide with the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

The Conference of Bishops has designated November 18 as the permanent date for this yearly day of prayer. The observance follows a request from Pope Francis to remember victims of abuse, particularly within the Church. The Conference of Bishops has provided liturgical texts and prayer intentions to assist parishes, pastoral units, and religious communities in organizing their own prayer services.

The gathering in Fribourg is open to all people regardless of their convictions. The Diocese of Lausanne, Genève et Fribourg noted that the day of prayer is intended as a moment of memory and solidarity that does not replace the search for truth, justice, or necessary measures for prevention and protection.

Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to the international meeting "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" in Assisi, marking the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace. The meeting, organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio from October 25 to 27, 2026, brought together patriarchs, religious leaders, and the Franciscan families.

In his message, the Pope stated that war can never be waged in the name of God and urged participants to rebuild peace everywhere rather than preparing for new wars. He described prayer as the humble strength of believers to counter a modern culture of power. The Pope noted that he could not attend the event in person at the tomb of Saint Francis due to medical advice following surgery to remove a lung adenocarcinoma.

The Pope recalled that Saint John Paul II initiated the original 1986 prayer day to highlight the link between religious attitude and a sense of peace. He extended greetings to Bishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi and thanked the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Community of Sant’Egidio for continuing the work of his predecessors.

Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of clergy and Church sexual abuse during his upcoming visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. The Vatican press office confirmed in an October 27 statement that several meetings are planned with survivors. The Vatican stated these meetings are intended to express the pope's closeness to those who have suffered and to help ensure the Church is a safe and spiritually healthy place.

The announcement follows an open letter from Red de Sobrevivientes Peru (Survivors Network Peru), an advocacy group for victims of the now-suppressed lay movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. The group had expressed concern that the pope's schedule did not include meetings with survivors. Following the Vatican's clarification, the association stated it was pleased the meetings would occur, but cautioned that victims seek meaningful changes in the Church rather than photo opportunities.

The group was founded by José Enrique Escardó, who was the first member of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae to denounce abuse by the movement's late co-founder, Germán Doig. During his time as Bishop of Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV supported victims and journalists investigating abuses within the movement.

Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius was re-elected president of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences for a five-year term from 2026 to 2031. The election took place on Thursday, October 29, during a plenary assembly in Salzburg.

Archbishop Eamon Martin was elected first vice president, and Archbishop Dražen Kutlešo was elected second vice president.

The assembly focused on the theme of evangelization and synodality regarding the mission of priests in Europe. Representatives from the Holy See were in attendance, including Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, and Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the Synod.

The Spanish Episcopal Conference presented the campaign for the 2026 Day of the Diocesan Church on Monday, October 26, at its headquarters. The event, led by Bishop Vicente Rebollo, head of the secretariat for the support of the Church, and director José María Albalad, introduced the theme "God counts on you" for the upcoming observance on Sunday, November 8.

The campaign uses messages from Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain in June to encourage the baptized to participate in the mission of their local dioceses and parishes. The initiative seeks to increase awareness of Church activities across the country while reinforcing commitments to transparency and accountability.

According to the secretariat, the work of the Church relies on the time, skills, prayer, and financial support of millions of people. The campaign emphasizes that the life of dioceses depends on the responsible response of all members of the faithful according to their specific vocations.

Pope Leo XIV met with participants of a conference on the future of artificial intelligence at the Vatican Apostolic Palace on October 30, 2026. The meeting, organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Future of Life Institute, focused on a dialogue between the Vatican and the scientific community regarding the developments and applications of intelligent technologies.

During his address, the Pope noted a shared sense of unease among participants regarding the development of artificial intelligence. He stated that while the necessary direction is recognized, insufficient progress is being made to address the technology. He described the gathering as a transdisciplinary approach required to manage the complex challenges of the current era.

The Pope noted that the Pontifical Academy for Life monitors challenges where human dignity is threatened. In his remarks, he referenced a previous statement by Pope Francis to G7 leaders, in which the former described artificial intelligence as both an exciting and fearsome tool and maintained that no machine should be permitted to make decisions regarding the taking of a human life.

The International Catholic Migration Commission will host a three-day event in Rome to mark 75 years since its establishment.

The event will examine practical ways faith communities and global civil society can work together to uphold the promises made in 1951.

Archbishop Enrique Benavent described Valencia as the city of the Holy Chalice during the closing Mass of the Jubilee Year. He stated that the relic serves as an emblem for the city, its culture, and the local Church.

The Valencia City Council received a replica of the Holy Chalice to recognize its role in the preparation and successful development of the Jubilee Year. Archbishop Benavent expressed gratitude to the mayor and the council for their involvement in the event.

The Archbishop noted that this third Jubilee Year was more established than the second, which faced restrictions due to the pandemic. He indicated that the significance of the relic is becoming more widely known throughout the world.

Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius was re-elected president of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) for the 2026–2031 term. The election took place during a plenary assembly in Salzburg on October 29.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, Ireland, and Archbishop Dražen Kutleša of Zagreb, Croatia, were elected as vice presidents.

The assembly marks a change in leadership as Cardinal Ladislav Nemet of Belgrade concludes his term. Archbishop Grušas previously succeeded Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco in 2021.

The bishops of France will meet for an autumn plenary assembly in Lourdes from November 3 to 8, 2026. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, will preside over the meeting, which is expected to include nearly 120 bishops from mainland France and overseas territories.

The assembly includes a review of Pope Leo XIV's apostolic visit to France from September 25 to 28, 2026, to develop a roadmap for the Church based on the messages delivered by the Pope. Other scheduled topics include the upcoming presidential election, national news regarding recent protests and violence, and the preparation for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. The bishops will also address the accompaniment of victims of sexual violence within the Church, including follow-up and national decisions for both minors and adults.

A full day of work will be dedicated to Catholic education as part of a three-year project titled "Educational Challenges Today: Intelligence, Conscience, and Freedom." Many diocesan directors will join the bishops to discuss how to better support young people in the current social context.

Irish professor Enoch Burke approached Archbishop John McDowell at Armagh Cathedral on October 29 to demand explanations for the archbishop's silence during Burke's imprisonment. Burke shared a video of the encounter on his X account, in which he reproached the Anglican Primate of All Ireland for not intervening publicly on his behalf.

The conflict began in 2022 at Wilson’s Hospital School, a Church of Ireland educational center where Burke worked. He was expelled from the school after refusing to use the chosen name and pronouns of a transgender student. Burke stated that he remained in prison for more than 700 days to defend the spirit of the Church of Ireland. He accused Archbishop McDowell, who is a patron of the school, of failing to defend Christian teachings and remaining silent regarding gender ideology.

The encounter occurred the same day the Ireland Superior Court modified judicial restrictions against Burke, prohibiting him from approaching within 100 meters of the school.

Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves will preside a funeral mass for the victims of the train accident that occurred on Wednesday at the Saint John the Baptist parish church in Urda. The service is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at 12:00 p.m.

Archbishop Cerro Chaves will be accompanied by auxiliary bishop Francisco-César García Magán. Priests from the parishes of Urda and Los Yébenes will participate in the liturgy. As a sign of mourning, the Archbishop requested that all churches in the diocese ring their bells together at noon.

On Thursday, Archbishop Cerro Chaves visited the site of the accident to pray a responso for the deceased. He also visited the hospital to meet with the injured and the house of spirituality where families of those affected are staying.

Pope Leo XIV has applied to vote by mail in the upcoming United States midterm elections.

Kim Fladhammer, the chief of staff for the Will County secretary office, confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that the Pope is among those who requested mail-in ballots. The Will County office is located southwest of Chicago.

Reports do not specify which candidates the Pope intends to support.

The Archbishop's Curia and the Union Ħaddiema Maqgħudin have signed a new collective agreement for employees of the Curia and Ecclesiastical Tribunals for 2026 to 2030. The agreement affects approximately 140 employees and includes a fund for mental health, which the parties state is the first of its kind in Malta. This fund allows employees to access professional mental health services with part of the cost covered.

The contract also provides for wage increases, improved allowances, and greater work-life balance through remote working and flexible hours. To assist with staff retention and recruitment, the agreement includes improvements to professional development and training.

Administrative Secretary Michael Pace Ross signed for the Curia and Ecclesiastical Tribunals, and Deputy Chief Executive Isabelle Farrugia signed for the union. Mr. Pace Ross stated that the measures are intended to increase productivity and efficiency in serving parishes and diocesan entities.

Bishop Marian Eleganti criticized the Vatican for restricting access to St. Peter's Basilica for traditionalist pilgrims during the Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage on October 24, 2026.

The former auxiliary bishop stated that the ban on traditionalist pilgrims entering the basilica borders on hostility toward Catholics who remain faithful to the Pope. He argued that the restrictions were not caused by operational difficulties or concerns for Church unity. Eleganti noted that existing rites within the Catholic Church coexist peacefully with the Novus Ordo.

Pope Leo XIV blessed a rosary belonging to Agata and Maciej Hrycyna during a meeting on October 28. The siblings, who are from Stegny, presented the Pope with a figure of Mary during the encounter.

The Hrycyna siblings had previously met the Pope in Pompeii, where he blessed a figure of the Mother of God they were carrying in a crowd of pilgrims. For Agata Hrycyna, the blessing of the rosary she uses for daily prayer was a significant moment of the meeting.

Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo to express condolences for the victims of a train accident in Urda, Spain. The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was released by the Holy See Press Office on October 29, 2026.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in the province of Toledo and resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. In the telegram, the Pope offered prayers for the deceased and extended sympathy to their families. He also expressed wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured and encouraged rescue teams to persist in their relief and assistance work. The Pope concluded by imparting an apostolic blessing to those affected.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, awarded the Nostra Aetate Prize to philanthropist Michael Sacks during the Rerum Novarum banquet on October 29. Pro-life activists protested the decision, citing Sacks's financial support for organizations that promote abortion access.

Sacks, the chief executive of GCM Grosvenor and president of the Sacks Family Foundation, donated $500,000 to Planned Parenthood of Illinois between 2020 and 2022. He also gave $600,000 to the Prairie State Access Fund in 2026, a fund established by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to support reproductive health services and gender-affirming care.

Illinois Right to Life accused the archbishop of scandalizing the faithful by presenting the award. Cardinal Cupich responded that the award does not constitute an endorsement of every position held by a recipient. In a statement, the archbishop described Sacks as a respected leader in Chicago and the Jewish community.

The Solemnity of All Saints invites the faithful to remember those who have persevered in friendship with Christ and now contemplate God. While many saints are known and venerated by the Church, most lived their holiness in the silence and simplicity of daily life.

The celebration includes the tradition of visiting cemeteries and decorating the graves of ancestors as an act of family remembrance.

Pope Leo XIV received President Laura Fernández Delgado of the Republic of Costa Rica for an audience at the Apostolic Palace on October 29, 2026.

Following the audience, the President met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During talks at the Secretariat of State, officials expressed satisfaction with the relations between the Holy See and Costa Rica, and between the state and the local Church. The conversation addressed socio-political issues in the country and the region, specifically regarding security and migration.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester criticized Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco regarding the mission of the Church to convert others. In a post on X, Barron described the claim that the Church is not there to convert as disconcerting. He stated that if he believed the Church did not exist to bring people to Christ, he would resign his office and seek honest work.

The criticism followed an interview with CathoBel, in which Cardinal Vesco said the Church should not be proselytizing but should instead participate in society through fraternity and coexistence.

Reports from CathoBel indicate that the statements used in the criticism were inaccurate. The outlet noted that the first quotation regarding the Church's call to conversion was taken out of context. Furthermore, a second quotation attributed to the cardinal was never spoken by him, but instead originated from a summary written by Ad Vaticanum.

Cardinal Ricardo Blázquez, archbishop emeritus of Valladolid and former president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, said the Church likely arrived late in addressing sexual abuse. Speaking in a video podcast released on October 29 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Blázquez noted that families and societies also arrived late to this issue.

Blázquez, who led the Spanish Episcopal Conference from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2014 to 2020, identified the February 2019 meeting in the Vatican, called by Pope Francis, as a significant moment of awareness. He stated that the meeting allowed leaders to speak freely about the inadequacy of previous responses to the crisis.

The cardinal noted that abuse extends beyond sexual misconduct to include abuses of authority, power, and conscience. He said the Spanish Episcopal Conference has since taken consistent steps toward addressing these issues, specifically through dialogue and personal meetings with victims.

Bishop Paweł Socha CM, the retired auxiliary bishop of the Zielona Góra-Gorzów diocese, died on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the age of 91. Funeral services are scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Zielona Góra and Gorzów Wielkopolski.

A member of the Congregation of the Mission, Bishop Socha was ordained a priest on May 22, 1958. On November 16, 1973, Pope Paul VI appointed him auxiliary bishop for the newly formed diocese of Gorzów, assigning him the titular see of Tunigaba. He received episcopal ordination from Cardinal Karol Wojtyła on December 26, 1973.

Bishop Socha served the Zielona Góra-Gorzów diocese throughout his entire episcopal ministry. He was known as a preacher and retreat leader.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told The Pillar on October 29 that he was unaware of letters published by an Italian traditionalist blog regarding the Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica. The letters, published October 28, appear to contradict previous statements from the Holy See concerning the group's requests for accommodations during their pilgrimage.

The dispute involves the Vatican's decision to deny the group permission to conduct a procession or adoration liturgy inside the basilica on October 24. Last week, the Holy See Press Office stated that while the request to process into the basilica was rejected, the group should have made a specific request if they wanted to hold Eucharistic adoration or prayer time inside.

However, a letter dated September 8, published by the blog Messa in Latino, indicates that organizers had asked the Secretariat of State for specific accommodations. The release of these documents follows several months of exchanges between pilgrimage organizers and the Vatican regarding the group's ability to celebrate Mass or process into the basilica as they have in previous years.

Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis told the United Nations on October 28 that space exploration and its technologies must benefit all people to avoid creating new inequalities or forms of exclusion. Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York during the fourth committee of the 81st General Assembly, the permanent observer of the Holy See addressed the theme of international cooperation in the peaceful use of space.

The Archbishop stated that space technologies are valuable tools for addressing global challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity, and natural disasters. To ensure developing nations benefit from these advancements, he called for strengthened international cooperation and the sharing of scientific knowledge.

He also urged a coordinated international response to protect the space environment from orbital crowding and the accumulation of space debris. He expressed the hope that space would remain an area of peace, stability, and cooperation.

Pope Leo XIV will visit five parishes in the Diocese of Rome during the Advent season, according to a press release from the Vicariate of Rome. The visits will take place in each of the five pastoral sectors of the diocese, similar to the schedule held during Lent.

The Pope is scheduled to visit Santo André delle Fratte in the Center sector on Friday, November 27. He will visit São Carlos da Sezze in the South sector on Sunday, November 29, Santo Elígio in the East sector on December 6, and Santa Luzia in the West sector on December 13. The final visit will occur at São Roberto Bellarmino in the North sector on December 20.

During these afternoon visits, the Pope will be received by Cardinal Vicar Baldassare Reina, the auxiliary bishop of the sector, and the local parish priest. The schedule includes meetings with parish entities and participation groups before the Pope celebrates Mass. Cardinal Reina stated that these visits will serve to carry out a pastoral evaluation within the communities.

The National Association of Shrines and the religious tourism section of the National Office for Catechesis will hold "The Night of the Shrines" on Saturday, October 31. This year marks the first time the event will take place on the eve of the Solemnity of All Saints, rather than in early June.

Approximately 150 events are scheduled across Italy, including prayer vigils, pilgrimages, testimonies, and cultural or artistic activities. The theme for the 2026 edition is "Aspire to holiness, wherever you are," which references words from a homily given by Pope Leo XIV on August 3, 2025. Father Marco Fagotti, who oversees the religious tourism section, stated that the October date was chosen because shrines are locations where holiness is experienced through connections to saints, relics, and faith experiences.

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony will participate by opening its doors for prayer and Eucharistic adoration from 21:00 to approximately 22:15. The basilica's rector, Father Antonio Ramina, confirmed the community's participation in the national initiative. Since its inception in 2019, the project has sought to promote shrines as centers for evangelization and pilgrimage.

The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has warned of a danger of extremism in the liturgical sphere. In a summary of a meeting held on October 21 with bishops from Panama during their ad limina visit, the dicastery stated that certain groups of the faithful provoke division and confusion by raising issues such as the use of veils by women or receiving Communion on the hand or while kneeling.

The dicastery noted that these groups tend to instrumentalize the Eucharistic celebration, reaffirming that the Eucharist is a sacrament of unity and cannot become an object of contention.

During the same meeting, the Panamanian bishops reported incorrect practices regarding Eucharistic adoration, noting a risk of it becoming a highly individual form of worship detached from the celebration of the Eucharist. The bishops also identified a tendency to lengthen celebrations with added gestures, prayers, and responses.

Israeli election authorities have begun counting nearly half a million absentee ballots from the Tuesday election. These votes could affect the final outcome, as no party has yet secured a majority.

Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves of Toledo to express condolences following a train collision near Urda, Spain. The telegram, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stated the pope was deeply saddened by the accident and offered prayers for the deceased.

The pontiff extended his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed wishes for the recovery of the injured. He also encouraged rescue teams to persevere in their relief efforts and granted an apostolic blessing to all involved as a sign of hope.

The collision occurred on the morning of Wednesday, October 28, 2026, between Urda and Los Yébenes. Reports indicated 69 deaths and noted that 107 people required medical treatment at local hospitals. The Spanish Episcopal Conference also expressed its condolences and invited Christian communities to remember the victims in their prayers.

The Federation of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ) expressed understanding for nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Saturday regarding education, health, climate protection, and affordable living, but advised young people to verify information before protesting.

The Episcopal Conference of Panama has informed the Holy See of its concerns regarding liturgical extremism in the country. The bishops specifically noted practices such as wearing the mantilla, receiving communion on the knees, or receiving communion in the mouth.

The Diocese of Savannah will beatify five Franciscan missionaries on Saturday, October 31, in Georgia. The ceremony is expected to draw 10,000 people to honor the friars who were martyred in 1597 while ministering to the Guale people.

The missionaries, who were from Spain, are Pedro de Corpa, Blas Rodríguez, Miguel de Añon, Antonio de Badajóz, and Francisco de Beraskola. The Vatican concluded last year that the five men were martyred for defending Christian values, making them eligible for the title of blessed.

Bishop Stephen D. Parkes said the friars settled into various missions and became part of the daily life of the native peoples they served. The missionaries were killed during an uprising nearly 430 years ago.

A report from the pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) states that 220 million Christians worldwide are directly exposed to persecution, discrimination, and violence. The report, titled "Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians Oppressed for Their Faith 2024-2026," covers the period from August 2024 to June 2026. It finds that conditions for Christians worsened in approximately 55% of the 18 countries examined, and none of those countries recorded an overall improvement.

The study notes that 413 million Christians live in nations where serious violations of religious freedom occur, placing them at risk. Persecution takes various forms, including arbitrary arrests, discriminatory laws, restrictions on worship, confiscation of Church property, kidnappings, forced conversions, sexual violence, torture, and murder. In many instances, these actions target specific regions where the state is unable or unwilling to protect minorities.

The report identifies extremist violence, authoritarian governments, and religious nationalism as primary drivers of pressure on Christian communities. Africa remains a major center of violence, while growing concerns exist regarding conditions in Asia and forced displacement. Conflict in Africa and Asia is driving many Christians to flee their homes.

Pope Leo XIV told the faithful during a general audience on October 28, 2026, that Catholics must engage with modern culture rather than living in opposition or hostility toward it. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, the pope stated that integrating faith and culture is necessary to live out the Christian vocation and share the Gospel.

During his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council's pastoral constitution, *Gaudium et Spes*, the pope explained that the relationship between faith and culture is rooted in the Incarnation. He said that because the Word became flesh, faith is an incarnate reality interwoven with the culture in which it is immersed. He noted that faith is called to become a culture itself, reaching people through their traditions, art, poetry, science, and thought.

The pope recalled that the Catholic Church has historically supported education, noting that many medieval universities arose from the Church. He encouraged Christians to deepen their scientific and cultural knowledge alongside their faith and emphasized the importance of expanding access to higher education, particularly for women.

Pope Leo XIV cited a 1982 statement by St. John Paul II, noting that faith which does not become culture is not fully accepted, thought out, or lived.

Priests and representatives from women's religious communities met in Rome on October 27–28 to discuss how artificial intelligence might assist with practical tasks in convents without replacing spiritual life or interpersonal relationships.

Pope Leo XIV will visit five parishes across the five pastoral sectors of the Diocese of Rome during Advent, according to the Roman Vicariate. The visits, which include meetings with parishioners and representatives of parish groups, will begin on November 27 and conclude on December 20.

The pope will visit Sant’Andrea delle Fratte on November 27, Saint Carlo da Sezze on November 29, Saint Eligius on December 6, Saint Lucy on December 13, and Saint Robert Bellarmine on December 20. During these visits, he will celebrate Mass and meet with local communities to encourage the evaluation of pastoral life and strengthen communion within the diocese.

The Vatican Museums opened an exhibition on October 28 tracing 100 years of papal vehicles. The display commemorates a century of cooperation between the Holy See and Mercedes-Benz.

The exhibition features eight historic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, beginning with a 1930 Nürnburg 460 dedicated to Pope Pius XI. The collection also includes the first automobile ever built and a modern Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The display tracks the evolution of these vehicles from ceremonial transport to modern platforms used for direct interaction between the pope and the faithful.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a rediscovery of Mary as a model of listening and hospitality to build dialogue and peace. In a message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin and sent on October 28, the Pope addressed participants of the conference "Mary, a Path of Dialogue and Peace for the Mediterranean."

The conference, held from October 27 to 29 in Perugia and Assisi, was organized by the Pontifical International Marian Academy and the Order of Friars Minor. The Pope described Mary as a model of faith and obedience whose example provides the pillars for authentic dialogue and the foundation for peace through fraternity.

The event included representatives from 12 Marian shrines worldwide, including the Santa Cruz shrine in Oran, Algeria; Garde shrine in Marseille, France; the Annunciation shrine in Nazareth; and the shrine in Harissa. Organizers stated that Mary of Nazareth can serve as a point of reference for different cultures and religions to work together for peace, particularly within the Mediterranean region.

Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves has requested that all churches in the Archdiocese of Toledo toll their bells at noon on Thursday, October 29, to mourn the victims of a train accident. The accident occurred in Urda and Los Yébenes and has resulted in at least 64 deaths.

The Archbishop invited the faithful to pray the Angelus at the same time to ask for the eternal rest of those who died. He also asked for prayers for the injured, the families of the victims, and those providing medical care to the sick.

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin warned that while historical totalitarian regimes have been defeated, the temptation to act like God remains. Speaking at the Pontifical Gregorian University on October 28, Parolin noted that some still seek to control how humanity lives and thinks or to impose specific ideological convictions.

Parolin delivered his opening address at an international academic conference titled "The Holy See and Totalitarian Systems in the 20th Century: New Perspectives and Research Approaches." He aligned his remarks with those of Pope Leo XIV, noting the ongoing tendency to place human beings in the position of God. The conference is scheduled to conclude on October 29.

Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of the Archdiocese of Bamenda called on nations to work to preserve peace in their countries and communities.

In a reflection on the effects of war, the Archbishop noted the devastation caused by the decade-long conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. He stated that peace is priceless.

Wadie Abunassar, director of the International Center for Consultations, stated that while Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc appears to be winning, the results suggest Israel has lost. Speaking to Agenzia SIR during the Israeli legislative election count, Abunassar noted that although the partial results show Netanyahu's supporters holding 54 seats, it remains premature to draw final conclusions.

With 76.8% of ballots counted, the coalition led by Gadi Eisenkot holds 47 seats, while Arab parties have reached 19 seats. Abunassar noted that Arab parties may act as decisive factors for the next government. He cautioned that the remaining votes from the "double envelope" system, used primarily by military and diplomatic personnel, could affect the allocation of approximately 15 seats.

Abunassar observed that Netanyahu's bloc might strengthen its parliamentary presence but noted it is unlikely to reach the 61 seats required to form a government alone. He also suggested that the results indicate a possible alternative led by Eisenkot.

Bishop Antonio Valín Valdés blessed and inaugurated a Stella Maris center at the Port of Valencia. The center belongs to the Apostleship of the Sea and serves the Archdiocese of Valencia.

The inauguration took place during the 32nd National Assembly of the Stella Maris Apostleship, held in Valencia from October 26 to 29. Bishop Valín Valdés, the bishop of Tui-Vigo and the official responsible for the Apostleship of the Sea in the Spanish Episcopal Conference, performed the blessing.

The facility is intended to serve ship crews and others working in the maritime sector. Permanent deacon Antonio Moya, director of the Diocesan Secretariat of the Apostleship of the Sea for the Archdiocese of Valencia, said the center provides a place for sailors to rest, support their mental and physical health, pray, or address other needs while on land.

Approximately 1,000 members of the Legion of Mary made a pilgrimage to Lewouran in East Flores, Indonesia, on 23 October. The members represented 21 Curiae from the Diocese of Larantuka.

The pilgrims gathered to pray before the relics of Saint Peter the Apostle. According to Vatican News, the gathering served as a moment for spiritual renewal and emphasized that devotion should lead to acts of charity, solidarity, and service to those in need.

Prince Alois, the prince and regent of Liechtenstein, vetoed a law on October 20 that would have legalized abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. The legislation, proposed by the citizen initiative Fristenlösung, passed the Landtag on September 2 with a 13 to 12 vote.

The Princely House stated that the prince spent several months examining the initiative and holding discussions on the matter. In a public statement, the House said the prince remains convinced that a time-limit regulation does not adequately protect the unborn as a fundamental right.

Under the constitutional framework of Liechtenstein, laws approved by the legislature require the signature of the monarch to take effect. While Prince Hans Adam II is the Head of State, he transferred the authority to sanction laws to Prince Alois in 2004. Abortion remains largely illegal in the principality.

Pope Leo XIV sent a video message to participants of the international meeting "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" in Assisi, held from October 25 to 27, 2026. The Pope was unable to attend the meeting in person to prioritize recovery following surgery to remove lung adenocarcinoma on October 13.

In his message, the Pope addressed religious leaders, Patriarchs, Bishop Felice Accrocca of Assisi, and the Franciscan families. He noted that the gathering took place forty years after the World Day of Prayer for Peace initiated by Saint John Paul II in 1986. He thanked the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Community of Sant’Egidio for their work in continuing the path established by his predecessors.

The Pope called for a deepening of the "spirit of Assisi," which he defined as the rejection of religious justifications for war, a spirit of mediation and dialogue, and creative action for a peaceful future. He noted that while some argued globalization would ensure peace, his encyclical, *Magnifica humanitas*, observed that globalization instead triggered fundamentalist and nationalist reactions. He warned that many still view the accumulation of weapons as a means to guarantee peace, a trend he described as a culture of power.

The French Bishops' Conference published a letter to young Catholics on October 22, 2026, in response to recent protests by high school and university students. The letter, titled "Our only weapon is that of love that gives itself," addresses the concerns and search for meaning expressed by youth during a period of widespread social contestation in France.

The bishops noted that while the demonstrations were legitimate, they were accompanied by violence, looting, and clashes. The text references a prayer vigil held three weeks prior at the Stade de France with Pope Leo XIV. During that gathering, the Pope told young people they are the saints of France and encouraged them to be actors in a history that moves from confusion toward the truth.

The bishops urge young people to follow three principles shared by the Pope: to avoid pride, violence, and greed; to strive toward justice, piety, faith, and charity; and to engage in a mission of service. The letter invites young Catholics to reflect on these calls and to share their reflections.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco stated that the Church is not a proselytizing institution focused on converting Muslims. In an interview with the Belgian Catholic media outlet CathoBel on October 23, Vesco said the Church aims to be a component of the people through coexistence and fraternity.

Vesco described certain forms of religious proselytism as harmful to relations between monotheistic religions. He argued that discrediting the beliefs of others hinders mutual recognition and dialogue. The cardinal also questioned efforts to return to old political models.