For the first time, a Pope has taken part in a political election: Leo XIV has posted his ballot paper for the US mid-term elections. In the past, he has voted in both Democratic and Republican primaries. The Vatican asserts the right and duty to participate in democracy, but on social media the race is already on to assign him a political affiliation.

The event marked the fortieth anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace established by John Paul II in 1986. Leone, having had to pull out following his operation, sent a message. This message does not address the ‘current’ issues

On Sunday 1 November, for the first time in history, the American university basketball season will kick off outside the United States, with Rome having been chosen as the venue for the Eternal City Tip-Off. The event will bring four teams to the capital: the men’s and women’s sides from Notre Dame and Villanova

From the Gemelli Hospital, the Pope received a phone call from the Russian president in which he “expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky”. The town is one of the symbols of the Kremlin’s brutality. According to the Interfax news agency, the Russian president replied that the responsibility lies with “the Kyiv regime”.

The Pope and the Russian President held a telephone conversation this afternoon regarding the city under siege by Moscow: “The Holy See’s commitment to dialogue and peace was reaffirmed”. 

It is clear – because that is the way of the world, and indeed of the Church – that the usual questions – with the Pope in poor health – will begin to be asked. Not only amongst the media and observers of Vatican affairs, but also amongst the cardinals themselves. Will his schedule change? Will he review his commitments? And what about his travels?