Sacred Music Focus: Pope Leo XIV used his Aug. 19 general audience to stress that sacred music is “part of the liturgical action,” not decoration—urging composers to preserve the Church’s musical heritage while allowing healthy inculturation of local traditions. Vatican Appointments: Pope Leo named new consultors to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, including Ugandan priest Fr. Emmanuel Katongole and Notre Dame-linked experts, expanding Vatican guidance on peace, migration, health, and care for creation. Zimbabwe Diplomacy & Grief: The Holy See highlighted strengthened ties with Zimbabwe amid crisis, while Pope Leo sent condolences over the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, entrusting victims to God and praying for families. West Bank Solidarity: Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited Taybeh, a Christian village under pressure from settler attacks and new restrictions, celebrating Mass as a sign of solidarity. Haiti ID Deal: Japan and the OAS signed a $3M agreement to expand Haiti’s biometric identification and update the electoral registry ahead of elections. Litigation Watch: A Vatican probe into the validity of Benedict XVI’s resignation remains active, with Andrea Cionci facing a second hearing. Church & Liturgy Debate: Bishop Marian Eleganti reiterated that SSPX is “not the solution” in disputes over the Latin Mass, calling for serious re-examination of current restrictions.