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On the last day of the International Meeting for Peace in Assisi, Patriarch Paul III Nona of Baghdad speaks about the importance of looking to contemporary martyrs to build peace: they offer “a good way to think about unity.”

Pope Leo XIV highlights how peace must become once again the "guiding star for all our choices," in a video message to the participants in the International Meeting "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" in Assisi. Forty years ago, Pope St. John Paul II had gathered religious representatives in the Italian town to pray for peace. "Precisely in these times marked by a 'culture of power,'" Pope Leo continued, "there is a need to cultivate the spirit of Assisi, which entails a rejection of the religious justification of war, a spirit of mediation and dialogue, and contemplative reflection combined with creative action in the service of a future of peace."

Pope Leo XIV sent the video message to the participants in the International Meeting "Unarmed and Disarming Peace," taking place in Assisi, on Tuesday, October 27:

On October 27, 1986, Pope St. John Paul II gathered representatives of the world's religions to pray for peace in Assisi. Forty years later, the 'Spirit of Assisi' continues to encourage different faiths to come together to engage in dialogue and build a better world.

From St. Francis’ time to Pope John Paul II in 1986 to today, the city of Assisi has been a symbol of dialogue and peace. Rabbi David Rosen stresses that interreligious dialogue is essential to peace, because if we respect other religions, “we can overcome stereotypes, prejudices, stigmatization, and live together in a better society.”

The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff releases the Calendar of Liturgical Celebrations at which Pope Leo XIV will preside in the coming weeks, including celebrations for All Souls’ Day and for the Solemnity of the Dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica.

On the 40th anniversary of the historic Day of Prayer for Peace, convened by Pope John Paul II on October 27, 1986, the legacy of the “Spirit of Assisi” spans four pontificates. From John Paul II himself, who explored its theological significance, to Benedict XVI, who extended the dialogue to include non-believers; from Francis, who called for fraternity, to Pope Leo XIV, who invites religions to rediscover within their own roots an antidote to hatred and violence.

Gospel of the Day (Luke 13,18-21) Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and 'the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'" Again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened."

Our correspondent in Assisi, Kielce Gussie, recounts some of the topics of the second day of the International Meeting for Peace, ranging from nuclear disarmament to interreligious dialogue.

The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, celebrates Mass at Baltimore’s Basilica of the Assumption, the first Catholic Cathedral built in the United States.

A Vatican solidarity initiative ahead of Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín’s visit to Ukraine, which begins on 27 October, is received with gratitude by the Papal Almoner who says it “reflects deep sensitivity to the suffering of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.”

RT @Pontifex: I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life. May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.  #Uruguay #Argentina #Peru

Pope Leo XIV has expressed joy and enthusiasm about his upcoming Apostolic Journey to Latin America, as the Holy See Press Office confirmed his visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru on November 6-17. In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo expressed his hopes that the visit to Latin America will strength Christians’ commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. “I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life," said the Pope. "May this journey be an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy.” The Pope’s doctors report that his recovery is progressing well, with recent tests confirming his good health, which will allow him to undertake his upcoming Apostolic Journey. "Dr. Luigi Carbone confirms that the Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," said the statement.

Speaking of the importance of keeping the human person at the center of arguments regarding nuclear weapons, a forum in Assisi brings together a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, a Catholic archbishop of Nagasaki, and a representative of an organization that received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Indonesian Catholic Society Forum launches a five-year plan to bring Catholic social teaching into public life through civic education, policy advocacy and leadership formation.

In a telegram of condolences, Pope Leo XIV praises the late Cardinal Paolo Romeo, Archbishop Emeritus of Palermo, who passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, saying he remembers 'with affection this dear brother who generously served the Gospel and the Church.'

Meeting with religious sisters holding their General Chapter, Pope Leo XIV invites consecrated religious to care for the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of their neighbors.

Pope Leo XIV receives the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, in the Vatican on Monday.

The Daughters of Charity in Bratislava encounter every day people experiencing homelessness, the sick, the dying, and young people searching for meaning in life. Through their ministry, they demonstrate that evangelization today often means offering a simple, steadfast, and compassionate presence to those in need.