Central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France focused on defending the value of human life and meeting abuse survivors. The trip has prompted protests and fresh criticism: survivors and campaigners say the church has not provided timely justice and want transparent trials, while French reparations bodies have awarded hundreds of victims compensation.
The Vatican has expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, Kherson region, and has called for a ceasefire to allow food and medical aid delivery and civilian evacuation. The pope, recovering from lung surgery, is continuing to oversee efforts from Gemelli hospital, with potential plans to address the issue in the Angelus.
Palestinian harvests face intensified disruption as settler violence in the West Bank rises to its highest rate on record. Diplomatic visits amid the turmoil continue, with international observers calling for accountability and a halt to violence.