-   Priests in the Democratic Republic of Congo issue a statement warning that the ongoing violence is endangering the country.

-   In Lebanon, Hezbollah rejects a government-backed disarmament plan, warning of civil war if forced to lay down arms.

-   Pope Leo urges Catholic lawmakers to build a society on justice, conscience, and love of God.

-   Pope Leo meets with the President of the Republic of Seychelles in the Vatican.

-   The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirms a famine in Gaza City for the first time.

-   On the day Pope Leo dedicated to fasting and prayer, we learn about the more than 56 more or less “forgotten” conflicts that generate grief and suffering among peoples.

In the headlines this Tuesday the 19th of August:

-   The Church joins calls on World Humanitarian Day to end violence and protect human life,

-   Bishops in Costa Rica and across Europe gather to discuss migration and climate change,

and

-   Pope Leo XIV prepares to return from Castel Gandolfo after days of rest, with a message of encouragement for the faithful.

 - Ukrainian and European leaders are meeting in Washington to for talks about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

 - Gaza’s only Catholic parish faces an evacuation order as the conflict continues to worsen

 - Heavy rains in Pakistan continue to hamper emergency relief efforts in the wake of deadly flooding

In the headlines, this Saturday, August 16th:

- Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump hold summit in Alaska

- The UN decries 1,760 killed in Gaza while trying to collect emergency food

- Cardinal Pietro Parolin presides over Mass in Burundi

 - Pope Leo celebrates Mass for the feast of the Assumption in Castel Gandolfo

 - The UN denounces an Israeli plan to increase settlements in the West Bank as contrary to international law

 - Ahead of talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Russia continues air raids on Ukraine