Marian Devotion: Pope Leo XIV returned to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano on the vigil of the Nativity of Mary, asking for “courageous and wise decisions” as he urged the faithful to welcome God’s Word and bring it to light. Vatican Diplomacy: At the Angelus, the Pope condemned renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine and renewed his appeal for negotiations to bear “concrete fruit,” as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held “encouraging” talks in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow. Interfaith & Peacebuilding: Archbishop Paul Gallagher told a St. Francis-themed seminar in Assisi that genuine dialogue doesn’t erase differences but makes cooperation possible through “a willingness to meet.” World Youth Day 2027: Delegates from around 190 countries are preparing operational plans for Seoul 2027, including registration and pilgrim logistics, with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life involved. Church, Society & Rights: The Holy See told the UN that women must be able to “exercise their leadership” as “artisans of peace,” warning that a “culture of power” is normalizing war. Vatican Culture & Education: The John Paul II Vatican Foundation will mark its 45th anniversary in Rome Oct. 19-22, highlighting scholarships and formation for young people, culminating in a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. Local News: In the Philippines, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s father, Manuel Tagle Sr., died in Rome; the wake runs Sept. 7-9 and a requiem Mass is set for Sept. 10.