What is happening in the Church today?

Card. Matteo Zuppi guided a prayer vigil for peace and justice in the Holy Land. The event took place at the ruins of the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Casaglia, Monte Sole. The Archdiocese of Bologna and the Piccola Famiglia dell'Annunziata organized the vigil.

SourcesAgenzia SIRDiocese of Bologna

St. Eugene Catholic Church launched a medical-debt relief effort, erasing over $6.5 million in debt with a $25,000 gift. The effort aims to help families facing crushing medical bills.

SourcesCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic Register

Pope Leo XIV encouraged sisters to foster vocations to religious life in the US. He sent a video message to the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. The message was sent on Aug. 12.

SourcesDiocese of Fort Wayne-South BendOSV NewsThe Catholic Sun

The Chicago White Sox held a 'Pope Night' in honor of Pope Leo XIV. The team gave away 40,000 'pope hats' to fans. The event was a huge hit despite the team's loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

SourcesNational Catholic ReporterReligion News ServiceNational Catholic Register

Bishop O'Connell encourages prayers and financial support for victims of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia. The quake caused damage and casualties in Cali and other areas. The Diocese of Quibdó reported 14 deaths and over 120 affected people.

SourcesThe MonitorReligión Digital

Trappist Father Benedict Chao, the world's oldest Trappist monk, died at 108. He survived Chinese communist persecution and helped rebuild a monastery in Hong Kong. The Diocese of Hong Kong announced his death.

SourcesCatholic ReviewCatholic New YorkThe TabletThe MonitorAmerica

SourcesDiocese of MacapáArchdiocese of Tegucigalpa

Catholic bishops unveiled a memorial plaque marking 75 years of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in Southern Africa. The event was announced by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

SourcesSouthern African Catholic Bishops' ConferenceArchdiocese of Pretoria

The Catholic Church will showcase its contribution to education in Santa Cruz through the 'Expo-Obras CEIL 2026' fair. The event is organized by the Delegación Episcopal de Educación Santa Cruz. It aims to highlight the Church's educational work in the area.

SourcesApostolic Vicariate of CamiriArchdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Thousands of Christians in Pakistan protested for constitutional equality and religious freedom. They called for amendments to allow non-Muslims to serve as president or prime minister. Rallies were held in three major cities, including Karachi and Faisalabad.

SourcesCatholic News AgencyCatholic Star Herald

Pope Leo XIV addressed the annual assembly of US Catholic sisters. He encouraged them to promote unity and accompany young people in discerning their vocation. The pope emphasized the Church's need for their charisms and witness.

SourcesVatican NewsGlobal Sisters ReportNational Catholic Reporter

Pope Leo XIV addressed the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in the US, emphasizing the importance of synodality and the need for consecrated men and women to contribute to the Church's mission. He encouraged them to become experts in synodality and to promote vocations, especially among young people.

SourcesThe Holy SeeVatican News

Pascom Maranhão is accepting registrations for a formation project until August 24, 2026. The project will select 36 communicators from 12 dioceses in Maranhão. Registrations are available through an online form.

SourcesCNBBDiocese of São Luís do Maranhão

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of attending Sunday Mass, stating it cannot be replaced by virtual participation. He urged everyone to seek the best conditions to participate in the Eucharist. The Pope made these comments during his general audience on August 12.

SourcesCBCP NewsDiocese of FlorianópolisDiocese of SantarémCatholic News AgencyAgência EcclesiaCatholic Star Herald

Pope Leo XIV will visit San Marino and Rimini on August 22. He will meet with authorities, lead a Eucharistic adoration, and visit the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples. The official program for the visit has been released by the Vatican Press Office.

SourcesVatican News

Lőrincz Béla, a retired priest, passed away on August 12, 2026, at a hospital in Győr. He was 84 years old. He served in various positions within the Diocese of Győr.

SourcesDiocese of GyőrMagyar Kurír

Pope Leo makes an initial emergency donation to dioceses in Colombia affected by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The donation was sent through the Apostolic Almonry. Further aid will follow.

SourcesVatican News