AGP Executive Report

Sydney 2028: Pope Leo XIV and Sydney bishops set Sept. 24–Oct. 1, 2028, for the International Eucharistic Congress, expected to draw pilgrims from Australia and overseas. A papal visit was discussed but is not confirmed. Assisi Gathering: Leo is due in Assisi Oct. 27 for a peace gathering marking 40 years since the first interreligious meeting there; organizers expect 384 representatives from 53 countries. Vatican Audience: Three girls receiving cancer treatment and their mothers visited the Vatican from Las Vegas and met the pope after a general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Pilgrimage Routes: Kibeho in Rwanda, the only Vatican-recognized Marian apparition site in Africa, draws pilgrims year-round, with its main feast on Nov. 28. On his recent visit to Lourdes, Leo offered a golden rose to the shrine of Our Lady.

Pilgrims in Rome: Eighty parishioners from Chicago marked their church’s centennial with a 10-day Italy pilgrimage, visiting the Sistine Chapel and catching a glimpse of Pope Leo XIV in Rome. A Special Vatican Audience: Three girls facing childhood cancer and their mothers travelled from Las Vegas to meet the pope in St. Peter’s Square after attending a general audience. History Near the Vatican: Archaeologists found 20 tenth-century English coins at Palazzo della Rovere, a discovery that may point to a medieval English community in Rome. Vatican Gardens: An Orange County Catholic family’s pilgrimage photo, taken with St. Peter’s Basilica in the background, placed second in the publication’s travel photo contest.

Papal Audience: Three girls from Las Vegas receiving cancer care and their mothers were welcomed by Pope Leo XIV after a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, a moving reminder of the special encounters that can make a Vatican visit memorable. Rome’s Hidden History: Archaeologists found 20 tenth-century English coins in a walled garden at Palazzo della Rovere, near the Vatican. Researchers say the find may be the first physical trace of a medieval English community in Rome. Pilgrimage Calendar: Pope Leo is due in Assisi on October 27 for a peace gathering marking 40 years since the first interreligious prayer event there; the October 25–27 program could draw pilgrims and visitors to the city. Italy by Parish: An 80-person group from a Chicago parish toured Rome, Assisi and other Italian cities, visiting the Sistine Chapel and getting a close look at the pope during their centennial pilgrimage.

Papal Audience: Three Las Vegas girls facing childhood cancer and their mothers were welcomed by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square after a foundation arranged their Vatican visit. WYD 2027: South Korea’s National Assembly speaker visited Vatican City to discuss support for Seoul’s World Youth Day, while Leo urged Korean clergy in Rome to help make the gathering a message of peace. Rome’s Hidden History: Twenty tenth-century English coins found at Palazzo della Rovere may point to an Anglo-Saxon community near the Vatican, adding a fresh historical attraction for visitors. Italy Pilgrimages: Parishioners from Chicago visited the Sistine Chapel and met the pope during a 10-day Italy trip; an Indiana choir is also touring sacred sites, with Rome on its itinerary. Assisi Visit: Leo is scheduled to join an international peace gathering in Assisi on Oct. 27, drawing religious leaders to the town for the event’s 40th anniversary.

Vatican Visit: Three girls facing childhood cancer and their mothers from Las Vegas attended Pope Leo XIV’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square after the Zo’s Bravehearts Foundation secured an invitation. The families sat near the front and met the pope afterward. Rome’s Medieval Past: Coins found in a garden near the Vatican may offer the first physical trace of a medieval English community in the city, adding a new historical point of interest for visitors. Pilgrimages and Sport: An Illinois parish’s centennial trip brought 80 people to sites across Italy, including the Sistine Chapel and Rome, where they saw Pope Leo. Rome will also host Notre Dame–Villanova basketball games on Nov. 1, with players expected to meet the pope before the doubleheader.

Assisi Gathering: Pope Leo XIV is due in Assisi Oct. 27 for an international peace meeting expected to draw 384 religious, cultural and civic representatives from 53 countries. Rome’s Medieval Past: Twenty Anglo-Saxon coins found at Palazzo della Rovere, near the Vatican, may offer the first physical trace of a medieval English enclave in Rome; researchers say the 10th-century find points to strong ties with England. Rome Game Weekend: Notre Dame and Villanova will open their basketball seasons in Rome on Nov. 1, with student-athletes scheduled for a papal audience before the games. Pilgrimage Travel: A U.S. choir is touring Italy through Oct. 14, with stops in Rome, Assisi, Florence and other historic cities; another parish group recently visited Rome and the Sistine Chapel on a centennial trip.

Vatican Travel & Culture: A hoard of 10th-century medieval English coins found in Rome’s Palazzo della Rovere hints at a “Little England” enclave near the Vatican, with historians saying the find suggests major money flowing from England into the city. Pilgrimage & Sightseeing: St. Christina parishioners marked their church’s 100th anniversary with a 10-day Italy trip that included Orvieto, Assisi, Florence, Bolsena, and a Rome visit close enough to meet Pope Leo XIV. Pope on the Move (WYD): Pope Leo XIV met Korean priests and religious in Rome, urging them to be “artisans of peace” as they prepare for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul. Vatican City in the News: South Korea’s National Assembly speaker begins a nine-day Europe trip that includes meetings in Vatican City with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, with WYD 2027 and peace on the Korean Peninsula on the agenda. Rome as a Destination for Groups: A U.S. Steuben County Festival Choir is traveling to Italy for a Christian unity pilgrimage, with performances planned in Venice, Padua, Ravenna, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. Local Life & Visitors: Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is drawing attention for running traffic without electronic lights—directed by white-gloved officers—an unusual “tradition meets order” travel story.

World Youth Day Prep: Pope Leo XIV met Korean priests and religious in Rome, urging them to be “artisans of peace” as they prepare for WYD 2027 in Seoul. Vatican Diplomacy: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s Russia trip focused on prisoners, missing people, and children—an effort praised by UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk after access to detainees. Church Travel & Pilgrimage: A South Korean National Assembly speaker is set to visit Vatican City as part of a Europe tour, including meetings with Cardinal Parolin and support for WYD 2027. Vatican City Personnel Watch: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti leaves his St. Peter’s Basilica archpriest role for the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, a move widely read as a signal of change under Leo XIV. Rome on the Calendar: Notre Dame and Villanova will open the season in Rome with a papal audience ahead of the “Eternal City Tip-Off.” Travel Culture Notes: A new “Donum Missionis” foundation will unify Rome’s missionary colleges under one institution from Nov. 1.

Papal Publishing: Pope Francis’ private diaries will be published in English and four other languages on Nov. 24, with entries spanning from 1992 to 2024 and released via Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Vatican Appointments: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti is reassigned from archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica to lead the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto, a move widely read as a shift in tone under Pope Leo XIV. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi continues Vatican-backed contact in the Russia-Ukraine war, visiting Ukrainian POWs in Russia and pressing for faster checks and family reunions. Pilgrimage & Travel Safety: West Bank’s last all-Christian village, Taybeh, is effectively cut off as it’s declared a “closed military zone,” blocking olive harvests and keeping pilgrims and journalists out. Rome on the Calendar: Notre Dame and Villanova open the 2026-27 season in Rome on Nov. 1, with student-athletes scheduled for an audience with Pope Leo XIV ahead of tip-off. Family Travel Tips: A travel piece urges parents to plan for toddler chaos on Vatican-area sightseeing days—because lines, funiculars, and “one small lick” moments happen fast.

Royal & Vatican Fashion: Princess Charlene of Monaco wore an Elie Saab gown to a state banquet in Monaco, with the designer also linked to her Vatican appearance earlier this year. Papal Diplomacy (Ukraine/Russia): Cardinal Matteo Zuppi continued Vatican humanitarian contact, visiting Russian-held Ukrainian POWs and pressing for faster checks on missing people and children’s return. Vatican Travel Culture: Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus address drew pilgrims to St. Peter’s Square on Italy’s St. Francis holiday, keeping Rome’s faith tourism front and center. Rome Sports Pilgrimage: Notre Dame and Villanova kick off the season in Rome on Nov. 1, with student-athletes scheduled for an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Humanitarian Travel Logistics: The Vatican’s “Donum Missionis” plan consolidates Rome missionary colleges under one foundation from Nov. 1, 2026—good news for visitors following Church-run programs. Family Travel Tips: A travel piece spotlights toddler-proof planning, from funicular lines to “oops” moments that happen on the road. EU Border Rules: New EES biometric entry/exit checks are reshaping summer travel into Italy and across Schengen, with queues and delays reported.

Vatican Diplomacy & Humanitarian Relief: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned to Moscow for talks focused on prisoners, missing persons and displaced children, meeting Russian officials and visiting Ukrainian POWs to press for exchanges and family reunification. Church & Rome Travel: Pope Leo XIV urged unity and faithfulness to the Successor of Peter in an address to the Pontifical Teutonic College on its 150th anniversary, while Vatican sources also report a quiet reassignment for Cardinal Mauro Gambetti after St. Peter’s Basilica controversies. AI & Ethics: Pope Leo XIV’s warnings on AI risks—paired with debate over “AI bubbles” and chatbot “personhood”—kept Vatican-linked tech ethics in the spotlight. Environment & Health: Amazon scientists briefed Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution tied to gold mining, stressing how contamination spreads through ecosystems to vulnerable communities. Tourism Rules: New EES biometric entry/exit checks are reshaping European travel for non-EU visitors, with Italy and Vatican City travelers advised to plan for queues. Rome History Finds: Excavations near the Vatican uncovered Anglo-Saxon coins pointing to a medieval “Little England” community with special privileges for English pilgrims.

Vatican Diplomacy & Humanitarian Travel: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned to Moscow for talks aimed at prisoner exchanges, visiting Ukrainian POWs and urging progress on reunions for prisoners, missing persons, and displaced children. Church Travel & Pilgrimage Logistics: Pope Leo XIV told the Pontifical Teutonic College in Campo Santo to preserve unity with the Successor of Peter, while Vatican-linked travel continues to draw pilgrims to Rome’s historic sites. Vatican Institutions Update: The Holy See is merging the “Domus Missionalis” and “Domus Urbaniana” foundations into the new “Donum Missionis” foundation from 1 November 2026, streamlining missionary education in Rome. Vatican City Visitor Experience: Madaba’s tourism challenge is a reminder for Vatican-area operators too: visitors often stop at one highlight and need clearer routes to extend stays across heritage, markets, and local food. Travel Rules for Visitors: The EU’s EES biometric entry/exit system is reshaping summer travel into Schengen, with some countries seeking more time as queues and delays hit airports. Culture & Faith Tourism: New research on Anglo-Saxon coins near the Vatican points to a medieval “Little England” community with special privileges—another story that could enrich Rome itineraries.

Vatican Diplomacy & Humanitarian Travel: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned to Moscow for talks focused on prisoners, missing persons, and displaced children, visiting Ukrainian POWs and urging further exchanges and family reunifications. Church Travel & Pilgrimage Life: Pope Leo XIV told the Pontifical Teutonic College to preserve unity with the Pope and live the faith visibly, while also continuing high-profile Vatican engagements tied to Rome’s pilgrim routes. Rome History for Visitors: Excavations near the Vatican’s Palazzo della Rovere uncovered 20 Anglo-Saxon coins, strengthening the story of medieval “Little England” and the Schola Saxonum that served English pilgrims. Vatican Culture & Mission Education: The Holy See is merging Rome’s Domus Missionalis and Domus Urbaniana into the new Donum Missionis Foundation from 1 November 2026. Travel Rules Update: Europe’s EES biometric entry system is still causing friction for UK travelers, with several countries signaling they need more time for full rollout. On-the-Ground Vatican Tourism: A new Vatican City travel guide item highlights the Vatican Museums as a must-see stop for visitors planning a Rome itinerary.

Vatican Travel & Culture: Pope Leo XIV’s name is popping up far beyond Rome, with White Sox fans planning trips to follow the team after the Vatican-linked “Pope mitre” giveaway sparked extra buzz. Faith Tourism & Diplomacy: A “Prayer Breakfast” in Yerevan is framed as faith-based tourism and tech ethics diplomacy, explicitly tying Armenia’s Christian heritage to Vatican connections. Visitor Practicalities: Europe’s new EES biometric entry/exit rules are reshaping travel planning for UK and other non-EU visitors heading to Italy and Vatican City, with queues and delays reported earlier this year. Vatican City News for Travelers: The Holy See announced a new “Donum Missionis” foundation from Nov. 1, merging Rome’s missionary houses—useful background for anyone visiting Vatican-linked mission sites. Heritage Discovery Near the Vatican: Excavations near the Palazzo della Rovere uncovered Anglo-Saxon “Little England” coins, adding another medieval layer to the Vatican area’s visitor story. Environment & Pilgrimage Themes: Scientists brief Pope Leo XIV on Amazon mercury pollution tied to gold mining, underscoring how ecological justice is now part of the Church’s global travel-and-faith narrative.

Vatican & Diplomacy: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set for talks at the Vatican, with Russia’s war on Ukraine expected to dominate discussions, alongside meetings with Sant’Egidio and Vatican officials. Papal Outreach & Travel: Pope Leo XIV received Amazon scientists briefing him on mercury pollution tied to gold mining, with warnings that contamination spreads through ecosystems to vulnerable Indigenous communities. Church in the Spotlight: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti is expected to leave his St. Peter’s Basilica archpriest role in a “quiet reassignment” after years of controversy. Pilgrimage & Relics: Fulton Sheen’s first-class relic was enshrined at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York for permanent veneration. Rome History for Visitors: Excavations near the Vatican’s Palazzo della Rovere uncovered Anglo-Saxon coins pointing to a medieval “Little England” community and the Schola Saxonum. Tourism Watch: IHG plans a new Kimpton on Rome’s Via Veneto, with a restored theater centerpiece, targeting a 2029 opening. Travel Rules: Europe’s EES biometric entry/exit system is reshaping arrivals for UK travelers, with some countries seeking more rollout time.

Vatican Administration: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti is expected to leave his St. Peter’s Basilica archpriest role in a “quiet reassignment” after controversies tied to security failures and Eucharistic profanations, with an appointment to the Italian diocese of Chieti-Vasto expected this weekend. Diplomacy & Travel: Germany’s foreign minister heads to the Vatican for talks on Ukraine, meeting Sant’Egidio and Vatican officials including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Environment & Pilgrimage Impact: Amazon scientists brief Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution linked to gold mining, warning it spreads through ecosystems to vulnerable Indigenous communities. Church & Ecological Justice: Laity and clergy gather for synodal sessions on the Church’s role in ecological justice, echoing Catholic climate teaching. History for Visitors: Anglo-Saxon coins found near the Vatican point to a medieval “Little England” community, offering a fresh story for Rome/Vatican-area walks. Practical Entry Rules: EU EES border rules are reshaping travel into Schengen, with biometric registration and no passport stamping for many visitors. Culture & Vatican City: An art-and-ethics debate continues online, while a Vatican-linked exhibition by Pan Daijing is on view at Conciliazione 5 until Oct. 16.