AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV appointed Lebanese-born Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis as the Holy See’s new permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, succeeding Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia. Vatican Security: A Vatican-linked “Click to Pray” app exposed personal data of 700,000+ users after a long-running access flaw left accounts reachable via an exposed API. Ukraine-Washington Ties: Zelenskyy said a conversation with Trump during Pope Francis’ funeral helped restore their relationship, with another meeting expected soon. Youth and Service: In Peru, Pope Leo urged young people to embrace a “holy rebellion” of joyful service to those most forgotten. Digital Faith and Caution: Vatican-linked coverage also highlighted Pope Leo’s push for stronger AI oversight and practical peace-building amid new technologies. Schism in Scotland: On Papa Stronsay, sedevacantist monks livestreamed an illicit consecration of a “bishop,” and the Diocese of Aberdeen says the leader has been excommunicated. Disaster Relief: Italy’s bishops’ collection on Sunday will aid Venezuela earthquake victims, with Caritas support for urgent and long-term needs.

AI & Peace Agenda: A Vatican-hosted summit on nuclear weapons and artificial intelligence put Pope Leo XIV’s push for disarmament and “peace-building” front and center, with a Catholic professor stressing how new tech like AI drones raises fresh risks. Digital Faith & Privacy: The Vatican-linked “Click to Pray” app is reported to have exposed names and emails of 700,000+ users for months, adding to a wider pattern of Vatican website vulnerabilities. Papal Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis as the Holy See’s new Permanent Observer to the UN in New York. Venezuela Solidarity: Italy’s churches are holding a collection for victims of Venezuela’s earthquakes as humanitarian needs continue to grow. Church in Asia: Pope Leo XIV urged Asian bishops in Jakarta to see God’s presence as they discuss the Church’s future across the continent. Liturgy & Tradition: Five years after “Traditionis Custodes,” debate over the traditional Latin Mass continues, now intensified by the recent excommunication of the SSPX. Summer Pilgrimage: Pope Leo made surprise visits to the Shrine of the Most Holy Trinity in Vallepietra and St. Benedict’s cave in Subiaco.

Vatican Diplomacy & War: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher says the Holy See is studying conditions for a possible Pope Leo XIV trip to Ukraine after a six-day mission that included meetings with President Zelenskyy, while Cardinal Parolin warns peace prospects are receding amid escalation and calls for renewed Iran talks. Papal Pastoral Visits: Ahead of Leo’s Sept. 25-28 France trip, Lourdes officials describe the visit as a “very big emotion,” with the pope set to concelebrate Mass at the grotto; meanwhile, Leo’s surprise summer stop connected Vallepietra’s Trinity shrine and Subiaco’s Benedictine cave. Church Governance & Appointments: Germany’s new apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, will advise on bishop selections as multiple German prelates near retirement; in China, Vatican-Beijing terms fill a 20-year Chifeng vacancy with Joseph Chan Yanfeng’s consecration. Liturgy & Tensions: “Traditionis Custodes” still sparks debate at the five-year mark, and in Germany priests challenge Cardinal Marx over same-sex “blessings” guidance, asking whether Fiducia supplicans still applies. Vatican Tech & Privacy: The pope’s “Click to Pray” app is reported to have leaked users’ personal data for months, raising fresh questions about safeguards. Ukraine Politics Online: Zelenskyy denies a bizarre cocaine claim involving Macron in an interview with far-right influencer Laura Loomer, who also says her stance on the war shifted after experiencing an air raid. Papal Culture & Outreach: Andrea Bocelli will sing for Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo with an international children’s choir for the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death. Controversy Watch: A Transalpine Redemptorist group in Orkney plans to consecrate a bishop without papal permission, drawing Aberdeen’s condemnation as schism.

Cybersecurity & Privacy: The Vatican’s official prayer app, Click To Pray, is reportedly exposing personal data of nearly 720,000 users, with a security researcher saying the flaw has been live for months. China–Vatican Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV approved a new bishop for China under the 2018 Vatican-Beijing framework, ending a 20-year vacancy as Joseph Chang Yanfeng was ordained in Chifeng. Ukraine Peace Efforts: Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher said the Holy See is studying conditions for a possible papal trip to Ukraine after meeting President Zelenskyy. US–Vatican Political Role Debate: US Ambassador Brian Burch clarified that the pope’s role as head of state is “inseparable” from his spiritual leadership after a dispute over how his comments on Iran were framed. Church Governance & Culture Wars: Priests in Munich and Freising pushed back on Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s same-sex blessing guidance, asking whether they should obey the cardinal or the Vatican. Vatican Appointments: Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economics PhD, was named prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, becoming only the third woman to lead a Vatican dicastery.

AI and Faith: Pope Leo XIV’s “Magnifica Humanitas” is prompting debate on whether AI can summarize a long encyclical—his message stresses that education needs time and that fast answers can smother the desire to ask questions. Peace Push: The Vatican announced Pope Leo’s new peace book, “Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift,” with a foreword urging nuclear disarmament and quoting Bob Dylan, alongside a broader insistence that conscience can matter more than weapons. Vatican Court Transparency: The Holy See denied reports that accused mosaic artist Fr. Marko Rupnik was acquitted, saying the review is still ongoing and that proceedings remain confidential. SSPX Questions: A new explainer revisits whether weddings at SSPX chapels are valid, noting the Church’s canonical-form requirements and the shrinking pathway for validity. Papal Travel Watch: A Vatican delegation has been sent to Argentina to prepare for a possible Pope Leo XIV visit, with logistics and security being assessed ahead of any confirmed dates. Church Life & Pastoral Tensions: Germany’s Munich priests reportedly raised loyalty concerns over blessing guidance, while Fr. James Martin renewed calls for admitting “gay” men to priesthood. Global Humanitarian Snapshot: A UN report estimates 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, warning that conflict and climate risks could worsen food systems.

LGBT and priesthood debate: Jesuit Fr. James Martin renewed his push for admitting “gay” men to the priesthood, arguing the Church should adjust seminary and ordination rules while stressing celibacy. Rupnik case update: The Vatican again denied reports that former Jesuit mosaic artist Marko Rupnik was acquitted, saying the canonical trial is still under review and that rumors are “completely unfounded.” Abuse and accountability pressure: Victims of Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik say they feel “abandoned,” while a U.S. lawmaker urged a New York State Police probe into the Buffalo Diocese after a priest faced federal child pornography charges. Pope’s summer pilgrimage: Pope Leo XIV made surprise visits to Italian shrines and Benedictine sites, including Montecassino and the Holy Trinity sanctuary at Vallepietra, praying for peace. China appointments: Pope Leo XIV approved another bishop under the Vatican–Beijing framework, as a new ordination took place in Chifeng. Family-focused Vatican planning: The Holy See published the agenda for a fall global family summit marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia. Traditionalist fallout: Traditional Catholics face a difficult choice after Vatican cuts off a breakaway group following SSPX-related unity concerns.

Vatican Family Agenda: The Holy See released the framework for an Oct. 7–14 summit with Eastern Catholic Church heads and bishops’ conference presidents, marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia and calling for “mutual listening” on how to proclaim the Gospel to families today. Pope on Summer Pilgrimage: Pope Leo XIV made surprise visits from Castel Gandolfo to the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity in Vallepietra and then to the Benedictine monasteries of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica in Subiaco, praying for peace. Nuclear Disarmament Message: In a new book foreword, the Pope renewed his call that “it is not atomic weapons that generate peace, but disarmament,” citing Dorothy Day and quoting an unpublished Bob Dylan lyric. Rupnik Trial Update: The Vatican denied social-media claims that ex-Jesuit Marko Rupnik was acquitted, saying the canonical review is still ongoing and reports of any decision are “absolutely unfounded.” China Bishop Appointments: Pope Leo approved another bishop under the Vatican–Beijing framework, with Bishop Chang Yanfeng ordained in Inner Mongolia. Pastoral Summer Advice: In a Q&A for Piazza San Pietro, the Pope urged families to remember the sick, elderly, war victims, prisoners, and migrants during the holidays.

Papal Travel: Pope Leo XIV left Castel Gandolfo for a surprise stop at the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity in Vallepietra, praying before the revered Trinity fresco and greeting pilgrims in the mountain shrine. Middle East Diplomacy: As fighting involving Iran and the U.S. continues, the Pope called the conflict “unjust,” urged a return to negotiations, and warned that war is worsening a wider humanitarian and economic crisis. China Appointments: Leo approved and oversaw the ordination of Father Joseph Chang Yanfeng as Bishop of Chifeng under the Holy See–Beijing framework, continuing the pace of episcopal appointments tied to the deal. Rupnik Abuse Case: The Vatican again rejected claims that former Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik has been acquitted, saying the canonical trial remains open and proceedings are confidential to protect due process and those involved. Peace & Disarmament: In a new book foreword, Leo renewed his push for nuclear disarmament, arguing that peace comes from disarmament, not atomic weapons. Synodality in Asia: Delegates at the FABC assembly in Jakarta highlighted synodality as a way of being Church—centered on communion, listening, reconciliation, and mission.

Peace & Disarmament: Pope Leo XIV, in the Vatican-published foreword to Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift, rejects the idea that atomic weapons ensure peace and calls for nuclear disarmament, urging “peace seekers” to act through truth and dialogue. Middle East Tensions: The appeal lands as President Trump signals a hard line on Iran, warning of strikes on sites tied to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Vatican Justice Under Scrutiny: A lawyer for women in the Marko Rupnik abuse case blasts the Holy See’s secretive tribunal process, saying her clients are denied details while Vatican officials insist the matter is ongoing. Traditional Latin Mass in Scotland: Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen granted expanded permission for two Transalpine Redemptorist priests who left their order to celebrate the TLM weekly. Church in Africa & Youth: Cardinal Michael Czerny urged AMECEA youth to hold onto hope and build “bridges,” while the U.S. bishops’ Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa highlights projects tied to peace and reconciliation. Ukraine Diplomacy: Archbishop Gallagher met Zelenskyy, with Ukraine hopeful about a possible papal visit. Controversy Watch: Swiss churches protested the “arbitrary” end of clergy military-service exemptions. Faith & Culture: Fr Thomas Pathikkal, witness to India’s Vatican-recognised Eucharistic miracle, died at 73.

Nuclear Disarmament: Pope Leo XIV’s new Italian book foreword, “Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift,” urges peace through disarmament and warns that today’s wars—from Ukraine to the Middle East—are fed by a dangerous weapons boom. Ukraine Diplomacy: Vatican envoy Archbishop Gallagher wrapped a mission in Ukraine, meeting Zelensky’s team and calling for a lasting, just peace, with prayers for prisoners, families, and the missing. Papal Prayer for Peace: During a private visit to Monte Cassino, the pope prayed at St. Benedict’s tomb for peace in conflict-affected regions. AI and Authenticity: A Vatican-linked collection of Leo’s speeches and writings on education and AI, “Maps of Hope,” was certified as human-authored by Proudly Human, amid renewed debate over AI’s role in public life. SSPX Fallout in the U.S.: A U.S. bishop said SSPX is “basically another Protestant sect,” as excommunications and disputes over sacraments continue to ripple through parishes, including in Kansas and around Syracuse. Church Governance Watch: Reports swirl around the Rupnik case, with unconfirmed claims of an acquittal—sparking fresh questions about transparency and accountability. Sustainability in Rome: Villanova announced Pope Leo will present a new sustainability medal in October at Castel Gandolfo.

Rosary for migrants in Colorado: Catholics prayed the rosary outside a planned ICE detention facility in Hudson, Colo., with Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez and an international delegation linked to Vatican-backed integral human development efforts. Pope Leo’s peace push: The pope made a private visit to Montecassino, praying at St. Benedict’s tomb for “regions marked by bloodshed and conflict,” then returned to Castel Gandolfo. Sustainability in the spotlight: Villanova announced the inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, to be presented by the pope in October at Castel Gandolfo during its International Sustainability Conference. IVF policy clash: Catholic bishops urged the Trump administration to revise parts of a proposed IVF insurance rule, arguing IVF coverage conflicts with Catholic teaching even as mainstream Catholic views diverge from the bishops’ stance. Ukraine diplomacy: Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher met Ukraine’s acting foreign minister in Kyiv on POW returns, deported children, and humanitarian cooperation, while Zelenskyy said the Vatican is ready to host a leaders’ peace meeting. Rupnik acquittal reports: Unconfirmed reports claim Vatican proceedings may have cleared disgraced Fr. Marko Rupnik, reigniting questions about accountability. Swiss clergy service exemption: Swiss bishops protested the “arbitrary” removal of traditional military service exemptions for priests and monks.

Angelus at Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims the kingdom of God grows “like a small seed” through the “little things of daily life,” warning against imagining God as forceful or triumphant and urging a Gospel-centred, humble approach. Ukraine diplomacy: After talks with Holy See Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Gallagher, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Vatican is ready to host a leaders’ meeting, while Vatican envoys continue visiting bombed sites and supporting peace efforts. SSPX schism fallout: In Kansas, coverage focused on the Vatican’s sweeping excommunications tied to the Society of St. Pius X, alongside the SSPX leadership’s claim that “tradition” is behind its defiance. Papal outreach and Church life: Pope Leo also urged AMECEA bishops to trust young people as “agents of transformation,” and highlighted how his monthly prayer intentions are chosen through proposals gathered in advance. Relics and pilgrimage: Relics of St. John the Baptist arrived in Kalush for permanent enshrinement, with plans for monthly veneration and prayers for Ukraine. Sustainability honor: Villanova University announced the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, to be presented by the Pope in October in Rome and Castel Gandolfo.

Relics & Pilgrimage: Relics of St. John the Baptist have arrived in Kalush, Carpathian Ukraine, for permanent safekeeping at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. Michael the Archangel, with a Holy See representative present and plans for monthly veneration. Pope’s Angelus Message: From Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV told pilgrims that God’s kingdom grows “like a small seed” through humility and patience, not force—echoing the Gospel’s images of wheat and weeds, mustard seed, and yeast. Ukraine Diplomacy: Vatican envoy Archbishop Paul Gallagher continued his mission in Ukraine, visiting bombed sites in Kyiv and underscoring Pope Leo’s daily prayers for peace. Prayer Intentions: The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network says Pope Leo chooses 12 monthly intentions by gathering proposals from dicasteries and national directors, then discerning them a year ahead. Church & Society: Sisters’ leaders met Queen Camilla in London to highlight the global work of Catholic women religious for vulnerable women and girls. Culture & Faith: A new report spotlights Asia’s only dedicated exorcism center in Manila, training clergy and stressing the need to distinguish psychological from spiritual cases.

SSPX Schism Fight: The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith says the SSPX’s July 1 episcopal consecrations were “schismatic” and triggered automatic excommunications, while SSPX leaders push back with canonical appeals and arguments about how Church authority should be read. AI and Nuclear Risk: Vatican-hosted talks in Rome brought Nobel laureates and experts to warn that AI integrated into nuclear command systems could raise the odds of catastrophe, culminating in the Rome Declaration for an “unarmed and disarming peace.” Ukraine Prayer Mission: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher continued his Ukraine visit with stops tied to recent suffering, urging prayer for peace and underscoring Pope Leo XIV’s closeness to war-weary communities. Papal Prayer Intentions: The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network explains how Pope Leo selects 12 monthly intentions in advance from proposals gathered across the Church. Local Church in Kenya: At Wote Diocese in Kenya, Vatican officials highlighted the diocese’s young growth and called for Church–civic collaboration. Faith and Mental Health Debate: A Manila exorcism center is training clergy to distinguish psychological distress from spiritual cases, while another report questions “AI therapy” and “Godbots” as spiritual substitutes.

AI & Nuclear Disarmament: More than 200 Nobel laureates and experts signed the Rome Declaration for an “unarmed and disarming peace,” urging limits on AI-driven nuclear launch systems, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas. Ukraine Peace Mission: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher visited Kyiv’s bombed sites and met Church leaders, including Sviatoslav Shevchuk, calling for prayer, forgiveness, and renewed hope amid war fatigue. Papal Prayer Intentions: Father Cristóbal Fones, SJ, explained how Pope Leo XIV’s Worldwide Prayer Network gathers proposals so the Pope can choose 12 monthly intentions in advance for the year ahead. Beatification Watch: Ahead of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Sept. 24 beatification, Bishop Robert Barron highlighted Sheen’s evangelization rooted in prayer, formation, and preaching. SSPX Tensions: The Society of St Pius X continues its legal push after Rome’s schism and excommunication actions, with renewed debate over obedience and “abstract” versus “concrete” compliance. Local Vatican Life: Castel Gandolfo’s summer return continues with a concert planned in the papal villa courtyard honoring Pope Leo XIV.

AI & Nuclear Disarmament: More than 200 Nobel laureates and experts signed the Rome Declaration for an “unarmed and disarming peace,” urging limits on AI used in nuclear launch systems, in line with Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas. SSPX Schism Fallout: The Vatican’s latest excommunications and schism decree continue to spark pushback, as the Society of St. Pius X files canonical appeals and bishops in the U.S. urge faithful to return to full communion. Lefebvre “Antipope” Debate: A new USCCB spotlight on Paul VI’s 1976 charge against Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre is being read by some as a parallel to today’s SSPX conflict. Peace Mission in Ukraine: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned for a four-day humanitarian push, meeting and visiting in the war-torn region as the Vatican’s peace efforts face renewed urgency. Church Life & Sainthood: Pope Leo XIV declared Mother Mary Teresa Tallon venerable, advancing her cause, while the Catholic Grandparents Association marks World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly ahead of July 26. Vatican Culture: A concert in honor of Pope Leo XIV is set for Castel Gandolfo’s palace courtyard tonight.