The Church in Asia must form priests who go beyond sacramental and liturgical responsibilities to accompany people in their daily struggles, empower lay participation, and build grassroots Christian communities, speakers said at a five-day symposium in southern India.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Catholic bishops, and Muslim leaders have called for prayers for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery, with prayer initiatives reported in churches, mosques, and educational institutions following the Pope’s lung surgery in Rome.
More than 200 participants from across India gathered at St. Pius X College in Goregaon, Mumbai, on October 15–16 for a national symposium examining challenges to family life, pastoral accompaniment, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus with thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, October 18, in his first public appearance after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery on his right lung, Vatican News reported.
Three Catholic institutions in India brought together 247 participants from seven countries for an international webinar on October 16, reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” ahead of the 100th World Mission Day in 2026.
About 2,000 Catholics gathered at the Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrimage Center in Rach Suc, in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, on October 13 for a pilgrimage day themed “With Mary as Missionary Disciples,” where Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Can Tho urged the faithful to imitate Mary by bringing Christ to others.
Around 30,000 Catholics gathered in southern Vietnam on October 14 for the dedication of the Our Lady of Nui Cui Pilgrimage Center in the Diocese of Xuan Loc, marking a milestone for a shrine envisioned as an international pilgrimage destination.
Pope Leo XIV will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 17 afternoon and return to the Vatican, the Holy See Press Office confirmed, according to Vatican News. The Pope is expected to pray the Angelus on Sunday, October 18, from the window of the papal apartment.
The Diocese of Purnea in Bihar, eastern India, trained 58 priests, religious, and lay catechists to promote Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and strengthen grassroots participation in the Church’s mission during a workshop on October 15, 2026.
Children receiving treatment in the pediatric oncology ward of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital have sent Pope Leo XIV letters and drawings, assuring him of their prayers as he recovers from lung surgery, Vatican News reported.
A Filipino lay retreat facilitator with more than three decades of experience in spiritual formation has written a handbook to help priests, religious, catechists, campus ministers, and lay volunteers guide people toward a deeper encounter with Christ.
The Diocese of Imus is urging parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions across Cavite province, southern Philippines, to reduce plastic waste by avoiding tarpaulins, disposable utensils, and non-biodegradable decorations.
A Singapore-based actress has taken the life of St Clare of Assisi into a parish church, staging a play on the saint as Catholics here mark the Jubilee Year of St Francis.
Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative recovery continues to show steady improvement, with blood tests and a chest X-ray confirming his overall condition is improving, according to Vatican News.
“Take it, use it, clean it and put it back,” Fr. Robin Fargose told 75 sacristans representing 30 parishes during a formation program organized by the Liturgy Office of the Archdiocese of Bombay at Seva Kendra, Dadar West, Mumbai, western India.
Snehalaya Family Service Centre of the Archdiocese of Bombay received a Papal Blessing marking its 50th anniversary during the National Symposium 2026, which examined the role of families in an increasingly technology-driven world.
A graduate of a Catholic school in the central Philippines has topped the October 2026 Physician Licensure Examination with a rating of 95.50%, capping years of academic achievement shaped by family sacrifice, Catholic education and a commitment to serving others.
An Oblate of Mary Immaculate priest has published a book exploring how Catholic priests can embody Christ’s presence amid secularization, skepticism and the challenges of ministry in an increasingly digital world.
A new book calling on Catholic parishes to strengthen family life through sustained pastoral accompaniment was launched on October 15 during the National Symposium 2026 in Mumbai, as the Church marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).
Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal has called on Catholic priests, religious sisters and lay leaders to take part in a two-day residential program on pastoral accompaniment, as the Church responds to the emotional and spiritual needs of communities affected by prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, northeastern India.
Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative recovery is progressing normally, with blood tests and a chest X-ray confirming expected results following surgery, the Holy See Press Office said on October 14, according to Vatican News.
