“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” is the theme of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, released by the Vatican today.

At the conclusion of his August 19 general audience, Pope Leo XIV recalled the victims of Stalinism and Nazism, paid tribute to Blessed W?adys?aw Findysz (1907-1964), and spoke about the importance of forgiveness and overcoming evil with good.

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to cultivate a commitment to peace.

“Pope Leo XIV learned with deep sorrow of the tragic traffic accident,” Cardinal Parolin wrote in his telegram to the bishops of the dioceses from which the pilgrims came. “Returning from their pilgrimage of faith, [they] have concluded their earthly pilgrimage.”

The Brazilian bishops’ Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI) released a 254-page report on violence committed against indigenous peoples in the South American nation in 2025.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann from the governance of the Diocese of Speyer, Germany.

“The SSPX is not the solution, and we should not drive the faithful who are dissatisfied with the liturgical reform or with what they often see in parishes into its arms,” Bishop Marian Eleganti, O.S.B., said in an interview. “The SSPX is schismatic and will remain just another Christian denomination.”

Bishop Eleganti also spoke about the Petrine ministry:

I have the impression that popes have too little time for prayer, reflection, study and leadership. They are constrained by a schedule of audiences, greetings, liturgical celebrations and trips. John Paul II was almost always travelling. But the Curia needs the presence and leadership of the Pope. Others have filled that gap.

I now have the impression that, because of the high bar set by John Paul II, there has been almost a compulsion to travel?or at least the impression that a pope must show himself everywhere. For me, it is enough if he teaches the faith and is a rock in doing so.

At least one parish has received a $5-million assessment, and several have been asked to contribute at least $1 million.

Parishes will fund “less than 40% of the total agreed-upon settlement,” said archdiocesan spokesman Peter Marlow. “Our goal is to fund the proposed settlement trust by the end of the year.”

The Canadian Armed Forces instructed chaplains not to “use religious specific language, including references to God,” in spiritual reflections. Chaplains have been instructed instead to “reflect upon lessons learned, beliefs, values, and experiences to inspire gratitude, remembrance, hope, and integrity.”

The bishops’ conference noted that Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C., of the Military Ordinariate “objects to the new policy” and said that “the CCCB stands in solidarity with Bishop McCaig as he raises these concerns on behalf of the Catholic faithful entrusted to his pastoral care.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) called upon the Supreme Court to overturn Williams v. Florida, a 1970 ruling that upheld the constitutionality of juries of six members.

Cardinal Parolin said that Pope Leo was “deeply saddened” to learn of the accident and that “entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, he sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss.”

The Pope also prayed for civil authorities and military personnel, Cardinal Parolin wrote in his August 18 telegram.

In conjunction with its recently announced campaign of prayer and action against abortion pills, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published “Notes for Clergy on the Abortion Pill“ and “Abortion Pill Q&A.”

Continuing his series of Wednesday general audiences on the Second Vatican Council and its documents, Pope Leo XIV today reflected on sacred music.

“Celebrating this anniversary, means recognizing that the Lord has been faithful to his Church throughout the centuries, sustaining her in times of trial, purifying her in difficulties, and continually making her flourish anew through the witness of the saints,” Cardinal Parolin preached, adding:

Let us therefore remember and pray at this moment for all these brothers and sisters of ours scattered throughout the various parts of the world who suffer persecution for the name of the Lord and for his Gospel. But let us not forget that there is also, so to speak, a bloodless martyrdom to which we too are called.

Cardinal Parolin also paid tribute to St. Agatha during a prayer vigil the previous evening.

The decline in the number of baptisms was steepest in the Diocese of Meath (-40.8%) and the Archdiocese of Dublin (-39.9%), according to a report from the Iona Institute. The number of baptisms rose in one diocese: the Diocese of Elphin (+0.9%).

Brian Mitchell, the member of parliament who chaired the committee, highlighted “the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTIQA+ students in Tasmania’s Catholic schools.”

“We owe it to every young Tasmanian to provide schools that are both temples of learning and sanctuaries, where they feel nurtured, heard, safe, and secure, not dread, fear, and anxiety,” Mitchell said.

Father Emmanuel Katongole, a Ugandan priest, is professor of theology and peace studies at the university; Clemens Sedmak is professor of social ethics and director of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies. Katie Koch, the president and CEO of TCW, also has connections to the Indiana university: she is an alumna and member of the board of trustees.

In late July, the bishops’ conference posted information about the initiative on its website.

“There will be no ‘German special path,’” he continued. “Now we are waiting to see where the Holy Father and his collaborators will make the corrections that I believe are necessary.”

Cardinal Woelki praised the work of Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, whose priests celebrate the sacraments in the extraordinary form, and said “we need a healthy mix of traditions that can grow together.” He added, “I see myself as firmly rooted in the tradition and teaching of the Second Vatican Council. The liturgical reform was one of the essential reforms there—we shouldn’t forget that.”

The tour will begin on September 18 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.