The Church in North Macedonia

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 offered prayers for those killed and injured in a terrorist attack on the Orthodox Church of St. George in Hammoudu, Jordan. During the Angelus on Sunday, October 25, the Pope expressed his closeness to the local community and the country, noting Jordan's history of peaceful coexistence and respect between different religions.

The attack occurred on Friday during a Christian funeral, leaving 9 people dead and approximately 40 wounded.

The Pope also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, specifically mentioning the city of Taiz. He noted that residents there face shortages of food, water, and medical care. He called for an end to hostilities to ensure that the people of Yemen and the surrounding region can live in peace.

Additionally, the Pope invited the faithful to join in spiritual unity with religious leaders meeting in Assisi on October 27 for the 40th anniversary of the interreligious prayer meetings.