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Vatican News
DRC: Deadly armed groups, militias, and thieves target Church institutions in Ituri
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Church is once again reeling from yet another attack. During the night of 15 September and 16 September, assailants armed with hammers, knives, crowbars, and all manner of tools stormed a preparatory training school near the Bishop’s residence in the Mudzipela neighbourhood of the Shari community in Bunia, the Provincial city of Ituri Province.
UN Refugee Chief: Global human rights at risk
Speaking to Vatican News following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says he is “tremendously encouraged” by the Holy Father’s support for his mission.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza surpasses 65,000
In the past 24 hours alone, hospitals received 98 bodies and 385 wounded, including seven aid workers killed and 87 injured.
News from the Orient – September 17, 2025
In this week's news from the Eastern Churches, produced in collaboration with L'Œuvre d'Orient: Pope Leo meets with the Armenian Catholicos, Eastern Christians celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash.
Pope Leo visits new courtroom of Vatican Tribunal
Pope Leo XIV makes a brief visit to the Vatican Tribunal's new courtroom in the Apostolic Palace.
Pope Leo sees role as one of building bridges, avoiding polarization
A new biography of Pope Leo, “Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the 21st Century,” contains the full text of the interview granted by the Holy Father to Elise Ann Allen, covering a wide range of topics, including the tragedy of Gaza, the Church’s policy on China, the role of women, the Church’s welcome of those who identify as LGBTQ+, the clerical abuse crisis, the financial situation of the Holy See, artificial intelligence, and fake news.
Archbishop Wachowski appointed new nuncio to Iraq
Pope Leo XIV appoints Miroslaw Wachowski as new apostolic nuncio to Iraq and elevates him to the rank of Titular Archbishop of Villamagna in Proconsulari. The Polish diplomat has served in the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See since 2004 as Undersecretary for Relations with States.
Pope Leo encourages religious to always read the signs of the times
Pope Leo XIV tells members of four different religious institutes, gathered on the occasion of their Chapters and Assemblies, to continue to read the signs of the times with the gaze of their founders.
Holy See: Elderly people deserve equal protections and labour rights
The Holy See’s representative at the United Nations urges societies to value and care for elderly people, calling for healthy intergenerational solidarity and support for the family.
At least 50 Sudanese refugees killed in boat fire near Libya
At least 50 people have died after a fire on a refugee vessel near Libya. Separately, an Italian humanitarian organisation has submitted new evidence to a court in Sicily detailing human rights violations by EU-supported Libyan military personnel.
Niger: Scores die in terrorist attack on baptism ceremony
22 people were killed in western Niger when gunmen attacked participants in a baptism ceremony before continuing their killing spree in Takoubatt village.
Hundreds of thousands flee as Israel expands Gaza offensive
Israel says it’s struck more than 150 targets in Gaza City since it ramped up its ground assault on Tuesday.
Tanzanian-born former Holy See diplomat dies in Rome
Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, former Apostolic Nuncio, has died in Rome at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of charity and service in the many countries to which he was sent as a papal representative.
Truth, Unity, and Love: The Augustinian Spirit of Pope Leo XIV
Marking Pope Leo XIV's saint's day on 17 September, the head of the Augustinian Province of St Thomas of Villanova says the Pope "Is a man of prayer who listens to God and to people."
Cardinal Grech: Third phase of synodal process is ‘step forward’ for Church
In a note published on its 60th anniversary, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, traces the evolution of the Synod of Bishops and looks ahead to the future.
Holy See: Respect for Humanitarian Law is a responsibility towards humanity
Addressing a UN “Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions” Archbishop Ettore Balestrero says humanitarian treaties constitute moral commitments to present and future generations.
Pope renews appeal for Gaza ceasefire: Inviolable human dignity of all must be respected
At the conclusion of his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV expresses his “deepest” sympathy for the people of Gaza. He renews his appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a diplomatic solution to the crisis, and full respect for international humanitarian law.
Pope at Audience: Trust in God's timing and grace
During his weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Holy Saturday, and calls on faithful to always trust in God's power to operate in their lives, even when the wait may feel long and hope may seem lost.
Pope: Religions are wellspring of healing, not source of division
Pope Leo XIV sends a message to the 8th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Kazakhstan, and invites the faithful of all religions to help build a future of peace, fraternity, and solidarity.