As a paramilitary group announced the capture of el-Fasher, the besieged capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, Catholic Church leaders amplified calls for the protection of “forgotten” civilians — including thousands of children — trapped in the western Sudanese city.

Pope Leo XIV and Vatican officials have urged Catholic leaders across Asia to adopt a “zero tolerance” stance on abuse and called on them to strengthen measures to protect minors and vulnerable adults.

More than 100 Catholics from across Appalachia, including many from Baltimore to Mountain Maryland, gathered in Pittsburgh Oct. 25 for “Conversations in the Spirit.”

President Donald Trump’s ceasefire agreement in Gaza was tested Oct. 28 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to conduct strikes in Gaza as his government alleged Hamas violated a White House-backed ceasefire agreement by firing on Israeli forces and failing to return the remains of deceased hostages.

The president of the U.S. bishops’ conference has urged lawmakers to fund federal food assistance before a looming deadline risks disrupting benefits for more than 40 million people.