The Church in Switzerland

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 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.

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 Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia held a thanksgiving Mass in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2026, to bid farewell to Bishop Paul Hinder. The Swiss Capuchin bishop is returning to his home country after more than 20 years of service to the Catholic Church on the Arabian Peninsula.

During the farewell service, the vicariate recognized the bishop's work with Christian communities and his efforts in interreligious dialogue. Bishop Hinder, now bishop emeritus, described his primary goal during his mission as building a Church composed of living stones.