In a letter to Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, his Special Envoy to the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of the Latin Rite Church’s structures in Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV recalls the Church’s twentieth-century persecution and urges prayers for peace, for families, and for all those suffering because of the war. Pope Leo XIV has called for prayers for all the faithful, living and deceased, who suffer or have suffered because of the “brutality” of the war in Ukraine. He also urges the faithful to implore God for peace in the world and in families.The celebrations will take place on 19 July 2026 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Berdychiv.
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Pope to Iraqi youth: Be Christ’s light and hope in a wounded world
Pope Leo XIV encourages young Iraqi Christians gathered in Ankawa to become missionaries of faith, love and hope, urging them to be Christ’s light and peacemakers in a land marked by conflict and instability.
As young people from across Iraq gather in Ankawa, in the Archeparchy of Erbil, for their annual Youth Meeting from 8 to 11 July, Pope Leo XIV is encouraging them to embrace their vocation as missionaries of hope, urging them to become “Christ’s light” in a country that continues to experience the consequences of war and instability.
In a video message to the gathering, dedicated this year to the theme Mission, the Pope reminds participants that they have an indispensable role in the life of the Church today.
“The Church has a vital mission to serve the world by sharing the light of Christ,” he says, encouraging the young people to help “shape the Church — and the world — in the years to come.”
Recalling a conviction he has expressed previously, Pope Leo emphasises that “young people are not only the future of the Church, but also the present.” And recognising the difficult reality many Iraqi Christians continue to face, the Pope acknowledges that witnessing to the Gospel is often demanding. “It is not always easy to be a light in the world,” he says. “You are called to radiate this light in a situation that has often been marked by war and instability. “Do not be afraid, Even so, he urges them not to lose heart. “Do not be afraid! And do not think that you are alone in this task. I am with you; the Church is with you. Place your trust in Jesus.”
Pope to inaugurate exhibition cycle at Vatican Apostolic Library
Pope Leo XIV will visit the Vatican Apostolic Library on Monday, September 14, and will inaugurate the first chapter of the exhibition cycle “Catastrophe and Wonder,” entitled “AQVA.” The Vatican Apostolic Library announced on Sunday that the Pope will visit the Library on Monday, September 14, at 11 AM to inaugurate the exhibition cycle “AQVA. Catastrophe and Wonder.” The exhibition will be open to visitors on selected days of the week from September 25 through May 14, 2027.
‘A home where past and future can meet as friends’. The display brings together the works of three contemporary figures – French artist JR, American typographer Bill Moran, and the Italian chef Fulvio Pierangelini – in dialogue with the collections and spaces of the Pope’s Library, offering a reflection on water as both a threat and a resource. Each of the three artistic collaborators reinterprets the Library’s historical collections through their own artistic practices.
The Librarian and Archivist of the Holy Roman Church, Monsignor Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, expressed his delight to welcome the Holy Father, noting the exhibition “are intended to foster dialogue between contemporary art and the Library’s centuries-old heritage.
“On several occasions,” Monsignor Pagazzi recalled, “the Pope has emphasized fidelity to the past and fidelity to the future. The present – including the present of this exhibition – can become a home where past and future meet as friends.” The Vatican Apostolic Library, an ancient institution dedicated to preservation and research, belongs to the Pope and is closely connected to the governance and ministry of the Holy See.
‘I came with a ‘hunger’ for genuine charity’: Pope Leo at Borgo Laudato si’ lunch
During a special “Lunch with the Pope” in Borgo Laudato si’ in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo with some 200 poor and socially vulnerable people, Pope Leo XIV says he came with “hunger for justice” and “hunger for genuine charity,” as he invited everyone to build a Church of justice, peace, and love.
“I came without a prepared speech, but I did come with hunger—hunger for justice, hunger for genuine charity, hunger for a Church that truly knows how to open its doors, to welcome and receive everyone; where there is love for all and no one is an enemy, where all of us know how to live reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.”
With these words, Pope Leo XIV greeted those gathered for the special “Lunch with the Pope” at Borgo Laudato si’ in the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo.
The event brought together 200 people, including nearly 40 children, living in vulnerable circumstances and accompanied by the Diocese of Rome and affiliated charitable organizations. The guests are spending the day immersed in the beauty and spirituality of the Borgo Laudato si’ initiative.
The day’s programme began with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Director General of the Laudato Si’ Centre for Higher Education, and concelebrated by Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Pope’s Almoner and Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. The guests also enjoyed a guided visit through the Borgo.
Welcoming those present, the Holy Father thanked them for coming and reaffirmed the Church’s desire to express God’s love to every person.
The Pope also thanked those who responsible for the beautiful lunch and gathering.”Whenever we come together, whenever we share this spirit of encounter around the same table—the one table where Jesus is also present among us—,” Pope Leo said, “we are truly building a different world, a world of hope, a world that is a light in the midst of our own. “Observing that “too often, our world is fractured by violence, hatred, and discrimination,” Pope Leo encouraged everyone to build communities and live out solidarity and mutual care. “Let us work together and strive always to be this kind of Church: a Church of justice, peace, and love,” he urged. Before inviting everyone to enjoy the meal, the Holy Father offered a prayer of blessing for those gathered, for their families, and for all who suffer.
Afghanistan: 3.7 million children under five at risk of malnutrion
A new UNICEF report warns that 3.7 million Afghan children under the age of five are at risk of malnutrition, urging urgent investment in preventive nutrition measures before the country’s annual peak hunger season.
A new UNICEF report warns that 3.7 million children under the age of five in Afghanistan are at heightened risk of malnutrition, as worsening food insecurity and poor nutrition continue to threaten the lives of the country’s youngest and most vulnerable. The report, highlights an alarming deterioration in children’s nutrition across the country, calling for urgent investment in preventive measures before the annual peak malnutrition season intensifies.
Afghanistan continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises following decades of conflict, economic collapse, and recurring climate shocks. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the country has experienced a sharp decline in international funding, widespread poverty, and increasing pressure on already fragile health and social services. Women and girls also continue to face sweeping restrictions on education, employment, and public life, compounding the challenges faced by families across the country.
For the first time, UNICEF has assessed child malnutrition alongside household food and nutrition insecurity among the same group of children in every province of Afghanistan. The analysis identifies early warning signs – including reduced dietary diversity, skipped meals, and children eating less than they need, and going hungry – that often precede acute malnutrition.
The report comes as Afghanistan enters the period when acute malnutrition traditionally reaches its highest levels between July and September. However, recent data from the country’s Nutrition Cluster indicate the crisis is worsening earlier than expected, with acute malnutrition increasing in 26 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces compared to 2025.
Children under the age of two are bearing the heaviest burden. They account for 83 per cent of severe acute malnutrition cases and 77 per cent of moderate acute malnutrition cases nationwide.
“Young children in Afghanistan are slipping into malnutrition even before the peak season has begun.” These new findings give us an opportunity to act before children reach severe malnutrition. When families begin skipping meals or cutting back on nutritious foods, it is not simply a sign of hardship – it is an early warning that a child may soon develop acute malnutrition.”
While treatment remains essential to saving lives, greater investment is needed in prevention, beginning with improving the diets of young children and pregnant women. According to UNICEF, deteriorating child nutrition is being fuelled not only by food insecurity, but also by disease outbreaks, low vaccination coverage, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services, and growing shortages of funding and essential supplies.
Tea Vendor’s Simple Act of Kindness Touches Hearts Across India
A tea vendor from Thrippunithura has won the admiration of people across the country after showing remarkable compassion to a woman injured in a road accident.
The incident took place near Statue Junction when a 56-year-old woman riding a scooter was involved in a serious accident with a bus. According to reports, she was dragged several metres before local residents managed to stop the vehicle. She suffered severe injuries, and her clothes were torn during the accident.
Among the first people to reach the scene was M.R. Shaji, a 53-year-old tea vendor who has been serving tea to nearby shops, banks, and offices for many years.
Without thinking twice, Shaji removed the mundu (dhoti) he was wearing and used it to cover the injured woman, protecting her dignity while she waited for medical help. A nearby shopkeeper later gave Shaji another cloth to wear.
Speaking after the incident, Shaji said he simply did what he felt was right. His only concern was that the injured woman should not suffer further embarrassment during such a painful moment.
Local residents and bystanders later helped move the woman into an autorickshaw and rushed her to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The incident gained widespread attention after CCTV footage of Shaji’s selfless act spread on social media. Thousands of people praised his kindness, quick thinking, and respect for human dignity.
Although many have called him a hero, Shaji has remained humble, saying anyone should have done the same. His simple act of compassion has become a powerful reminder that humanity and kindness can shine even in the most difficult moments.
Kerala Bishops Oppose Government’s Decision to Reduce Liquor Tax
Catholic bishops in Kerala have urged the state government to withdraw its decision to reduce taxes on low-alcohol beverages, warning that the move could encourage alcohol consumption and create more social problems.
In its first annual budget presented on June 19, the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government announced a major cut in taxes on drinks containing up to 20 percent alcohol. The government plans to reduce the tax on beverages with 0–10 percent alcohol from 251 percent to 120 percent, while drinks containing 10–20 percent alcohol will be taxed at 175 percent.
The proposal has drawn criticism from Church leaders, opposition parties, and even some members of the ruling party.
Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil said the decision sends the wrong message to society and may increase alcohol addiction in a state already facing serious problems related to alcohol and drug abuse. He added that the policy goes against the values promoted by Mahatma Gandhi, who strongly opposed alcohol consumption.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Temperance Commission also criticized the policy, saying it could encourage young people to begin drinking rather than helping existing drinkers.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the decision, claiming it could mainly benefit liquor companies. Former state Congress president M. Sudheeran also urged the government to reconsider the proposal.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey, about one in four men in Kerala consumes alcohol, with the rate increasing in recent years. Church leaders fear the tax reduction could make the problem worse and affect families and young people across the state.
Christians and Tribal Groups Oppose Hindu Prayers in Chhattisgarh Schools
Christian organizations and tribal community leaders in Chhattisgarh have urged the state government to withdraw a directive asking schools to include Hindu prayers and rituals in their daily activities.
The directive, issued by the state’s Education Department on June 12, asks all government-recognized schools to begin the school day by chanting prayers in praise of Hindu deities and lighting a traditional Hindu lamp. The new practice is to be followed during the current academic year.
Christian leaders say the order violates the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Christopher Paul said that if the government does not withdraw the directive, Christian students and teachers should at least be exempted from taking part in Hindu prayers and rituals. He said his organization has already written to the Education Department requesting an exemption but has not yet received a reply.
Simon Digbal Tandi said schools should remain secular and should not promote any one religion. He added that Christian groups are consulting legal experts and may approach the High Court if the directive is enforced on Christian schools.
A Catholic school principal, speaking anonymously, said the school has not yet received an official order and will decide its response after receiving formal instructions.
Tribal leaders have also opposed the move. Manish Kunjam said that Adivasis follow their own traditional faith and should not be compelled to participate in Hindu religious practices through the school system.
The issue has sparked fresh debate over religious freedom, secular education, and the rights of minority communities in India.
Kuki-Zo Community Apologizes for Killings, Seeks Peace in Manipur
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has publicly apologized for the killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur, expressing hope that the move will reduce tensions and help end the economic blockade affecting Kuki-Zo communities.
The apology came after the bodies of six Naga villagers were found near a Kuki-Zo village on June 10. The incident further increased tensions between the two tribal communities, both of which are largely Christian.
Speaking at a press conference in Churachandpur, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet admitted that the killings were a serious mistake. He expressed deep regret on behalf of the Kuki-Zo community and called on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
A Church leader from the Kuki community said the apology was made to restore peace and end hostility between the two communities. He explained that the ongoing economic blockade has caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in Kuki-Zo areas, leaving many families dependent on supplies brought by the armed forces.
However, Naga organizations rejected the apology, saying that it would not be accepted until those responsible for the killings are punished according to law. They also announced that the economic blockade would continue until justice is served.
The recent violence is part of a series of retaliatory attacks between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities that began in April. Around 30 people have been killed and about 45 Kuki villages have been burned in the latest clashes. The unrest comes amid the wider ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023 and has claimed more than 260 lives, displaced over 60,000 people, and destroyed thousands of homes, churches, and Church institutions.
Church Leaders Promote Voter Awareness in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Church leaders and social organizations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have launched a voter awareness campaign to help people take part in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
More than 100 priests, religious sisters, and community leaders attended an online awareness and training programme on June 22. The participants were trained to become “master trainers” and help people understand the voter registration process before the revision begins on June 25.
The programme was organized by the Conference of Religious India (CRI) in partnership with the All India Peace Mission Telangana and Youth Welfare Telangana. The SIR aims to ensure that every eligible citizen is correctly included in the electoral rolls.
During the session, speakers stressed that voting is both a civic right and a social responsibility. Participants received training on filling registration forms, working with booth-level officers, and helping people complete the required documentation. They also discussed ways to support voters whose names may need correction or inclusion.
In a circular issued on June 17, Cardinal Anthony Poola urged all Catholics to take the revision process seriously. He said every eligible person should ensure that their name and the names of eligible family members are included in the voter list.
The Cardinal also asked parishes to appoint volunteers to assist the elderly, persons with disabilities, and others who may face difficulties with documentation.
Organizers plan to set up help desks in churches, schools, and community centres to guide people through the process. They said the campaign aims to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral rolls.