AGP Executive Report

Papal Peace Appeal: Pope Leo XIV marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with renewed prayers for victims and a call for peace amid today’s wars and violence, linking remembrance to Christian forgiveness and entrusting the world to the Virgin Mary. Vatican Life & Care for Creation: The “Pope’s garden” inside Vatican grounds has gone fully organic, with produce grown by Benedictine nuns and shared with a Vatican soup kitchen. Synodality in Practice: A Philippine bishop who took part in the Synod on Synodality is turning his Rome experience into a new book meant to help parishes implement synod principles locally. Rabat Church Leadership: The Vatican named a Spanish-born coadjutor archbishop for Morocco’s Rabat as the archdiocese faces scrutiny tied to allegations against the current archbishop. Local Church Milestone: Omaha’s archdiocese plans a Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Flanagan’s progress on the path to sainthood, after Pope Leo XIV granted him the title “Venerable Servant of God.” Rome Public Mourning: Hundreds queued at Rome’s city hall to pay respects to Italian activist Emma Bonino ahead of a state funeral.

Papal Peace Call on 9/11: Pope Leo XIV marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with prayers for victims and those “bearing the wounds” of the tragedy, urging renewed commitment to peace “above all with prayer,” from the Angelus at St. Peter’s Square. Vatican Diplomacy in the Arab World: Father Rifat Bader, director of Jordan’s Catholic Center for Studies and Media, met the Pope during sessions of the Dialogue and Cooperation Platform between Diverse Religious Institutions and Leaders in the Arab World, presenting a Holy Land mosaic gift. Rabat Leadership Update: The Vatican named Spanish priest Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, setting up succession as Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero steps aside amid an investigation into alleged sexual abuse. Traditionalist Mass Limits: Vatican guidance for the 15th Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage means the traditional Roman rite’s main Mass will be held at St. Mary Major rather than inside St. Peter’s this year, with organizers denied authorization specifically for 2026. Italian Public Mourning: In Rome, hundreds queued to pay last respects to Emma Bonino, a longtime human-rights campaigner whose push for abortion legalization drew Vatican-era opposition.

Rabat Succession Under Scrutiny: Pope Leo XIV named Spanish priest Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, setting him up to succeed Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, who has stepped aside amid Vatican-linked investigation after AFP reported allegations of sexual assault by adult women. Synodality and Governance Debate: New Synod study reports urge “gender equality” and “co-responsibility,” including consecrated laywomen’s participation in preparing matters tied to bishops’ ad limina visits and even in selecting bishops and chaplains—proposals meant to be translated into future Vatican measures. Ukraine War at the Vatican: Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia met Pope Leo XIV, saying the Pope assured him that “everything is being done” to end the war. Church, Liturgy, and Tensions: Bishop Joseph Strickland renewed his call for bishops to guard what they were entrusted with, arguing that post–Vatican II worship changes were shaped by human decisions. Faith and Public Life: Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to Rome’s chief rabbi ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, wishing “peace and inner light.”

Rabat Leadership Shake-Up: Pope Leo XIV has named Spanish priest Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, setting up automatic succession as Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero steps aside amid AFP-reported sexual assault allegations. Synod Governance Debate: New Synod reports urge “gender equality” and “co-responsibility,” including consecrated laywomen’s participation in preparing matters tied to bishops’ ad limina visits and even bishop/chaplain selection. Ukraine War Pastoral Focus: Bishop Pavlo Honcharuk of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia met the Pope, saying the audience centered on ending the war. Benedictine Spirituality: Pope Leo XIV told Benedictine communities to stay rooted in Christ, calling their “spiritual synodality” a sign of communion. Interfaith Message: The Pope sent greetings to Rome’s chief rabbi for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, stressing peace and mutual friendship. Life and Death Policy: A U.S. federal judge temporarily blocked Illinois’ “medical aid in dying” law provisions, with Catholic leaders citing conscience protections. Church and Art: Brazil’s Aparecida shrine is set to unveil mosaics linked to artist Marko Ivan Rupnik, as abuse-related controversy continues to shape how such works are displayed.

New Martyrs Count: The Vatican’s Commission for the New Martyrs says it has documented more than 1,700 “new martyrs and witnesses to the faith” for the 21st century, with a Sept. 15 Rome event asking whether this era is “a new age of martyrs.” Liturgy Debate: Bishop Joseph Strickland argues bishops must “guard” what they were entrusted with, saying worship changes after Vatican II were shaped by human decisions, not the Council itself. Vatican-Jewish Ties: Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to Rome’s chief rabbi for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, calling for peaceful renewal and mutual friendship. Church Discipline & Leadership: Msgr. Roger Landry has taken a temporary leave from the Pontifical Mission Societies USA amid conduct-code allegations involving adults only. Doctrinal Tensions: Bishop Athanasius Schneider warns that “synodality” can function as a “code word” to undermine Catholic doctrine. Abortion Politics in Europe: Andorra’s PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “whether the Holy See likes it or not,” as talks continue. 9/11 Commemoration: A somber FDNY Museum ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with prayers and a wreath-laying for victims and first responders.

Church Discipline in the U.S.: Monsignor Roger Landry, director of Pontifical Mission Societies USA, has taken a temporary leave after allegations of violations of priestly conduct codes involving adults; both the Diocese of Fall River and Landry say there were no claims of sexual misconduct, and Landry insists he has no canonical violation or crime. Episcopal Encounters: Pope Leo XIV met Bishop Manuel Rodríguez in Rome during “baby bishop training,” urging bishops to carry everyone like the Good Shepherd, and later received new bishops including Udupi’s Leslie C. D’Souza, who presented gifts to the Pope. Synod and Governance: A Synod study group proposes a more missionary, less routine approach to bishops’ ad limina visits, with a renewed focus on exchange and listening. Human Dignity and Peace: Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Gallagher said reconciliation must become “just and lasting rules,” amid renewed Vatican-linked peace diplomacy around Ukraine. Italy and Rights: Emma Bonino, a leading figure in Italy’s abortion and divorce legalization battles against Vatican objections, has died at 78. Women and Ministry in Ireland: Ireland’s synodal pathway working document puts women’s visibility in liturgy and a national women’s office on the agenda, alongside broader proposals for lay co-responsibility. Global Tensions: Taiwan’s vice president visited a democracy forum in Italy, drawing sharp Chinese condemnation and diplomatic protests.

Bishops’ Formation at the Vatican: Pope Leo XIV met 147 newly ordained bishops in the Synod Hall, urging them to “remain with Jesus” first, and to make room in their hearts for everyone. He warned that new communication tools and AI cannot free humanity from sin, and called for a missionary, communion-based episcopate. Eco-Spirituality Document: The Vatican’s International Theological Commission advanced a theology for “care for our common home,” framing ecological harm as “sin against creation and against the Creator” and rejecting “despotic dominion” over creation. China-Vatican Appointments: Fresh scrutiny followed the consecrations of two bishops under the Holy See’s China agreement, including a new bishop in Datong and an archbishop in Chongqing. Mariology in Focus: A major Rome conference next month aims to restore “theological clarity” on Mary and reaffirm her role in doctrine and worship. Life Issues in the U.S.: Illinois’ new “aid-in-dying” law is set to take effect, as Catholic health groups and leaders renew opposition. Church and Society: Cardinal Tagle urged an end to wars and violence at his father’s funeral, linking war’s wounds to families for generations.

Bishops’ Unanswered Murder Case in Mozambique: Mozambique’s bishops say they still lack details about the June killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, calling the unanswered questions “perplexing” and noting he was found dead in his residence. New Bishops’ Formation in Rome: Pope Leo XIV met 147 newly appointed bishops from five continents, urging them to “remain with Jesus” and to make room for everyone in their hearts, warning that technology cannot replace the Church’s mission. Black Catholics’ Call for a Stronger Voice: Bishop Robert Paul Boxie, newly named auxiliary bishop of Washington, says racism remains an undercurrent and argues for greater Black representation in Church life. Human Dignity at the Center: In his general audience, Pope Leo XIV renewed his call to defend human dignity with the “light and strength of the Gospel,” linking it to solidarity and mutual care. Papal Visit Logistics for France: Organizers outline Pope Leo XIV’s tight Sept. 25–28 France schedule, including major public moments in Paris and Lourdes. Fulton J. Sheen Remembered: Coverage highlights the life and media impact of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen ahead of his Sept. 24 beatification in St. Louis.

Papal Teaching on Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV used his Sept. 9 general audience to stress that human dignity is a gift from God that demands solidarity and mutual care, warning against “falsifications and manipulations” that distort how people see one another. France Papal Visit: French bishops say Pope Leo’s Sept. 25-28 trip will be a “very significant moment,” with the motto “That the world may have life” guiding messages centered on the dignity of every person. Synod and Women’s Roles: A Vatican synod study group report is driving new local discussion, including an invite-only Sept. 19 session at Siena University on women’s participation in Church life and leadership—expanding governance roles while not addressing a possible female diaconate. Latin Mass Tensions: Reports say Pope Leo has forbidden the Traditional Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, while an annual Latin Mass pilgrimage to Rome will instead have Mass at St. Mary Major. China Church Appointments: Pope Leo approved the consecration of a new archbishop in Chongqing under the Sino-Vatican framework, renewing debate over the controversial agreement. Cameroon Dialogue Opening: Archbishop Andrew Nkea says separatists in Cameroon are “tired of fighting” and open to dialogue, pointing to the Church’s role in bringing sides to the negotiating table.

Ecology & Doctrine: The International Theological Commission has released a new Sept. 2 text urging “ecological conversion” and reframing harm to nature as “sin against creation and the Creator,” approved for publication after presentation to Pope Leo XIV. Synod & Governance: New Synod reports propose greater lay co-responsibility in bishops’ decisions and in preparing ad limina visits, while Cardinal Walter Brandmüller warns synodality’s current style risks drifting toward a Protestant-inspired, overly secularized model. Human Dignity at the Center: In his Sept. 9 general audience on Gaudium et Spes, Pope Leo XIV called human dignity a God-given gift that demands solidarity and active engagement, not passivity. Latin Mass in Rome: Organizers of the annual Latin Mass pilgrimage say a Vatican Mass in St. Peter’s will not be granted this year; Bishop Athanasius Schneider will celebrate in St. Mary Major instead. Ukraine: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls for peace as CAFOD describes civilians enduring relentless air-raid alerts and infrastructure strain. Andorra Abortion Clash: Andorran PM Xavier Espot says abortion will be decriminalized by April “with or without” Vatican approval, despite the co-prince role of the Bishop of Urgell. Peace Through Nonviolence: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar urged a renewed framework for legitimate defense rooted in Gospel nonviolence at a Rome conference.

Synod Watch: The Synod’s General Secretariat released study-group reports on bishops’ relations with consecrated life and ecclesial associations, plus proposals on how bishops should handle ad limina visits—framing the process as “differentiated co-responsibility” and calling for transparency as curial dicasteries turn ideas into next steps. Vatican Governance: A separate Vatican-linked debate is heating up around ad limina oversight, with calls for an independent ecclesiastical commission to evaluate visits and add online follow-up meetings. Church Discipline & Abuse: French victims of spiritual abuse and relatives urged Pope Leo XIV to act—asking for clearer canon-law definitions, independent reporting bodies, and training for new religious postulants. Mary & Doctrine: Cardinal Raymond Burke again defended Mary’s Co-Redemptrix title despite a Vatican rejection, reigniting a long-running Mariology dispute. Papal Travel: Pope Leo XIV’s first official state visit to France in 18 years is projected to draw over 1 million people, with major events in Paris and Lourdes. Global Church: China ordained Archbishop Andrew Ding Yang for Chongqing under the Vatican-Beijing bishop-selection framework. War & Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine after Russian attacks, hoping U.S.-led negotiation efforts will bear fruit.

Ukraine Peace Appeal: Pope Leo XIV condemned fresh Russian attacks on Ukraine and urged that U.S.-led efforts to restart negotiations “bear concrete fruit,” praying for diplomacy after strikes hit civilian infrastructure. Synod Follow-Up: The Synod’s General Secretariat published study reports on relations between bishops, consecrated life, and ad limina visits, stressing “differentiated co-responsibility” and listening among Church actors. China Church News: Archbishop Andrew Ding Yang was ordained in Chongqing under the Vatican-Beijing bishop appointment framework, as the Holy See continues to regularize leadership in long-vacant sees. Africa, Tech and Energy: Cardinal Peter Turkson said technology and clean power can help African communities turn God-given resources into real benefits, highlighting a solar project for a Catholic university. AI and Power Brokers: Reports say King Charles will host an exclusive AI summit in Scotland with major tech leaders, including a Vatican AI adviser, aiming to convene and encourage debate. France Visit Countdown: Pope Leo’s first official state visit to France in 18 years is expected to draw over 1 million people, with Masses in Paris and Lourdes on the agenda. Life and Death Ethics: The Pontifical Academy for Life’s president argued Catholics may support an “imperfect” assisted-suicide law only to prevent worse measures, while insisting there is no right to assisted suicide. Peru Pilgrimage Plans: Callao announced a 45.9-foot statue of Pope Leo ahead of his November South America trip.

Marian Pilgrimage: Pope Leo XIV returned to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, unveiling a permanent fresco of himself praying and asking Mary for “courageous and wise decisions,” as he celebrated Mass on the vigil of the Nativity of Mary. Vatican Appointments: The Pope reappointed Filipino catechetical expert Dr. Lysander Rivera to a Vatican advisory council for another five-year term, keeping focus on evangelization and formation. Ukraine Peace Push: At the Angelus, Leo XIV renewed his appeal to end violence and open hearts to dialogue, hoping U.S.-led negotiation efforts bring concrete results amid intensified Russian attacks. Interfaith in Wartime: In Kyiv, UGCC leader Sviatoslav Shevchuk thanked Ukraine’s Grand Mufti for promoting Catholic-Muslim dialogue and urged religion not be used for political struggle. Church & Society: A Vatican-linked John Paul II Vatican Foundation marks its 45th anniversary in Rome Oct. 19-22, highlighting scholarships and education for young people. Local Church Life: In eastern DRC, Jesuit-run schools in Bukavu reopened with Ebola precautions, reporting smooth classes and no suspected cases.

Mariology Debate: Cardinal Raymond Burke defended Mary’s “Co-Redemptrix” title, pushing back against a Vatican doctrinal document and reiterating traditional arguments for Mary’s unique participation in Christ’s redemption. Vatican Teaching & Culture: Pope Leo XIV met Oxford’s Oriel College delegation, urging education that “embraces the entire person” and measures learning by human dignity and the common good. Ukraine Diplomacy: After renewed U.S.-mediated talks, the Pope renewed his appeal for an end to violence in Ukraine, hoping negotiations will “bear concrete fruit” as attacks on civilian infrastructure continue. UN & Peacebuilding: The Holy See told the UN that women must be able to “exercise their leadership” as “artisans of peace,” warning that a “culture of power” is normalizing war. Local Church Life: In DRC’s Bukavu, classes resumed despite Ebola fears, with water points, distancing, and health monitoring in place. UK Public Witness: Over 10,000 pro-lifers marched in London for March for Life UK, with record Catholic bishop attendance. Diplomatic Milestone: Tammy Sandhu became the UK’s new ambassador to the Holy See after receiving accreditation from Pope Leo XIV.

Diplomacy and War: Pope Leo XIV renewed his plea for an end to violence in Ukraine after Russia’s latest strikes, saying he hopes current talks will “bear concrete fruit” and open space for diplomacy. US-Ukraine Track: In Kyiv, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner called their meetings “encouraging,” aiming to revive negotiations after a Moscow visit with Vladimir Putin, while Zelenskyy stressed “just, fair peace” and security guarantees. Vatican to the UN: The Holy See told the UN that women must be able to “exercise their leadership” as “artisans of peace,” warning that a “culture of power” is normalizing war. Church in Formation: Global synodal teams in Asia met in Thailand to push synodality into daily Church life as the Vatican’s implementation phase moves forward. Local Church and Accountability: Australia’s Christian Brothers-linked schools body is considering severing ties amid abuse-compensation tensions, as Vatican-linked formation and governance themes continue to surface. UK Holy See Relations: Tammy Sandhu became the UK’s next ambassador to the Vatican after meeting Pope Leo XIV for formal accreditation.

Ukraine Peace Diplomacy: U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv after talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, with President Zelenskyy saying Ukraine is ready for serious negotiations focused on security guarantees and a just, sustainable peace. Papal Ukraine Message: Pope Leo XIV condemned fresh Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, urging that current efforts to resume negotiations bear concrete fruit. Middle East Pastoral Focus: Bishop Iyad Twal told Vatican Media that Jordan is trying to keep normal life amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, while Bishop Aldo Berardi said Gulf Christians are called to be witnesses of peace as tensions escalate. Vatican Life & Formation: Pope Leo met Vatican families, calling the family a “great miracle” of giving life and love; meanwhile, a Vatican course for new bishops stressed liturgy as the Church’s summit and source of power. Oxford & Newman: An Oriel College delegation visited the Pope, who urged them to “seek the truth courageously,” praising St. John Henry Newman’s unity of faith and reason. Rome Security: Rome declared a “red zone” around the Colosseum, adding extra 24-hour security amid rising crime. Personal News: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s father, Manuel “Tatay Maning” Tagle Sr., died in Manila.