The most important news from Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican of the week—from declarations on religious freedom to global humanitarian efforts, and culminating in the canonization of seven extraordinary new saints.

Seven New Saints to Be Canonized by Pope Leo on October 19

In a global celebration of holiness, Pope Leo XIV will canonize seven new saints this Sunday, October 19, during a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Among the seven are three women and four men, representing a powerful cross-section of the Church: missionaries, martyrs, laypeople, and religious. Their origins span from Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, Turkey, and Italy—a true sign of the Church’s universality.

One future saint, once part of a satanic cult, converted dramatically and became a major promoter of the Holy Rosary in Italy—offering a message of radical redemption. EWTN will broadcast the event live for the faithful around the world.

Pope Defends Religious Freedom: “No Truth Without Liberty”

During a meeting with employees of Aid to the Church in Need, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering support for religious freedom as a pillar of human dignity.

“When religious freedom is denied,” the Pope warned, “the human person is deprived of the capacity to respond freely to the call of truth.” The Holy Father linked the suppression of belief to a wider culture of oppression and violence.

The pontifical foundation, based in Germany, provides pastoral and emergency support to persecuted Christians and operates in some of the world’s most dangerous mission territories.

Support Missionaries with Your Prayers and Gifts, Pope Urges

In a heartfelt video message ahead of World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo called on the global Church to pray for and support missionaries, especially those working in remote and difficult conditions.

Recalling his own years as a missionary bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, he highlighted how the fruits of evangelization are often hidden but enduring. “Mission is the soul of the Church,” he said. The special collection on October 19th funds vital pastoral work in the world’s poorest dioceses.

Vatican Sends 5,000 Doses of Antibiotics to Children in Gaza

As a ceasefire holds in the Gaza Strip, the Vatican has quietly dispatched medical aid, including 5,000 doses of antibiotics primarily for children. The shipment became possible after the recent reopening of key border crossings.

This humanitarian gesture aligns with the first phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, and underscores the Pope’s deep concern for the innocent caught in conflict. Vatican sources say the aid was coordinated in partnership with on-the-ground Catholic charities.

“Let Prayer Shape Your Words”: Pope Speaks to Vatican Communicators

Meeting with employees of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the centrality of prayer in the Church’s mission to evangelize.

“Our communication must be accompanied by prayer,” he said. “It makes all the difference.” He praised the diversity of the Vatican’s media staff—representing many nations and languages—as a sign of unity in service to the Gospel.

The Pope encouraged all Catholic communicators to blend professionalism with spiritual depth, reminding them that their true mission is to “help the Pope and the Holy See proclaim the Good News to the world.”

This has been your Vaticano Update for the week. For more on these stories and live coverage of the canonization, stay tuned to EWTN Vatican.