Bulletins, Newsletters, and Flocknotes

Appointment of apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina

Consecration of bishop of Datong, China

Appointment of secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University

 

Appointment of apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Jean Abou Charouche, of the Society of Missionaries of Saint Paul, until now apostolic administrator sede vacante of the same circumscription, as apostolic exarch for Greek-Melkite faithful resident in Argentina, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of bishop and assigning him the titular see of Myra of the Greek-Melkites.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop-elect Jean Abou Charouche, S.M.S.P., was born on 18 October 1972 in Chiyah, near Beirut, Lebanon.

In 1985 he entered the minor seminary of Saint Paul in Harissa, where he carried out his studies in philosophy and theology. On 29 June 1998 he gave his solemn vows, and on 16 August 1998 he received priestly ordination. He subsequently devoted a large part of his pastoral service to the formation of future religious and priests.

In 2015 he became parish priest of the Cathedral of San Jorge in Córdoba, Argentina. In 2023, the Holy Father Francis appointed him apostolic administrator sede vacante of the Catholic exarchate for Greek-Melkite faithful in Argentina.

 

Consecration of Bishop of Datong, China

Today, Monday 31 August 2026, episcopal ordination was received by the Revered Paul Liu Honggang, whom the Holy Father, on 10 August 2026, appointed bishop of Datong, Shanxi, China, having approved his candidacy within the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China.

Curriculum vitae

The Reverend Paul Liu Honggang was born on 2 November 1970 in the village of Wufuying, near the city of Taiyuan. From 1988 to 1992 he attended the seminary of Fenyang and, subsequently, from 1992 to 1996, the National Seminary in Beijing, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology. On 24 November 1996, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Datong. From December 1996 to 1999, he served as parish priest of Zhangguantun; from 2000 to 2003 he was parish priest in Xubao, before being transferred to the parish of Xihehe, where he served as parish priest from 2003 to 2005. Since 15 March 2005, he has held the office of diocesan administrator.

 

Appointment of secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University

The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Giovanni Bagnus, of the clergy of the diocese of Alessandria, as secretary general of the Pontifical Lateran University, with effect from 1 September 2026.

This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany, with Bishop Joshy George Pottackal, O. Carm., titular of Ceramussa, auxiliary;

- Members of the Steering and Supervisory Committee of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza – Opera San Pio da Pietrelcina Foundation.

At midday today, 22 nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Holy Father Leo XIV appeared in Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo to pray the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in front of the Apostolic Palace of the Pontifical Villas.

The following are the Pope’s words of introduction to the Marian prayer:

 

Dear brothers and sisters, good afternoon and happy Sunday!

Today’s Gospel tells us how Jesus reveals to his disciples the Mystery of his impending Passion.  The Messiah, he says, must “go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” ( Mt 16:21).

What he says is a far cry from their expectations of a triumphant and powerful Messiah, with whose help they would defeat and trample their enemies (cf. Ps 108:13).  Already, during the time they had spent with him, they had been amazed by so many of his deeds and words.  Yet this latest message truly goes beyond all expectations.  In particular, Peter expresses his disagreement and rebukes Jesus, saying to him: “‘God forbid it, Lord!  This must never happen to you’” (v. 22).

Shortly before, Peter had recognized in him “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16).  Now, however, surprised and perhaps disappointed by what he hears, he rebukes him, which stands in contrast to the beautiful profession of faith he had just made.  He seems to be saying, “Yes, I believe you are the Messiah, but that is not how the world is saved.”  His is an outburst of zeal, certainly motivated by sincere love, and yet it gives us something to consider.

For us, too, in fact, it is not always easy to understand and accept God’s ways, especially when they are very far from our own.  Then the temptation arises — against all the reasoning of faith — to think that the Lord is the one who is wrong, or worse still, that he is not listening to us or is not concerned about us.  Faced with this uncertainty, Peter, even in his impulsiveness, teaches us two important things.

The first is, even in such moments, never to cease our dialogue with the Lord.  Instead, we are confidently to tell him our difficulty in understanding what he is asking of us.

The second is never to judge God’s work, but rather humbly and prayerfully to listen to what he is revealing to us through his actions, even when they do not meet our expectations.

The greatness of the first of the Apostles is also evident in this.

Jesus replies: “Get behind me, Satan!” (v. 23), and explains to him and the other disciples that, to follow in his footsteps, they must deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow him (cf. v. 24).  Peter will do just that: after listening to him, he will accept the challenge and remain faithful to the words of Christ — whom he has recognized as his Redeemer — for the rest of his life, even unto martyrdom.

Let us therefore ask the Lord that we, too, in our life of faith and in our prayer, may have the same sincerity as Peter, humbly telling Jesus what we truly feel, even when our hearts are confused.  At the same time, may we cultivate Peter’s own docility in accepting what Jesus asks of us beyond our expectations.

May Mary help us, for she was obedient to God’s plans even at the foot of the cross of her Son Jesus.

________________________________

After the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

Tragic reports are emerging from Haiti of the horrific massacre carried out in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives and others taken hostage.  I express my spiritual closeness to the victims and their families, and call for the immediate release of all hostages.  I make a heartfelt appeal to all those in positions of authority to take concrete steps in order to ensure the safety of the population and put an end to all forms of violence.

I renew my prayers for those affected by the terrible flood that struck Nepal and Tibet.  Let us pray for those who have lost their lives, for the injured, those missing, for the families and rescue workers.  May the concern of everyone help to alleviate the suffering and provide the necessary aid to the people affected.

Let us continue to pray for peace.  Saint Augustine, whose feast we celebrated a few days ago, said that peace “is like the miraculous bread multiplied in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it” ( Sermo 357, 2).  May there be an increase in the world of those who courageously break and share the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice and practicing forgiveness for the good of all.

On Tuesday, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.  This marks the beginning of the Season of Creation – observed by Christians of various denominations – whose theme this year is “Living Water.”  As I recalled in the Message for this Day , caring for our common home calls for a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to bring about destruction may instead be directed toward life.  I invite everyone to join in prayer and action, that we may become channels of the living water of God’s peace, refreshing our wounded world.

I greet all of you: the faithful of Castel Gandolfo and pilgrims from various countries.  In particular, I welcome the participants in the “Run to Rome” charity event, the young people who have undertaken the Via Lucis pilgrim route, the group of devotees of Our Lady of Miracles of Corbetta and the motorcyclists here for their traditional annual gathering.

I would like to thank the law enforcement agencies and all those who have helped to enable my summer stay here in Castel Gandolfo, as well as those responsible for security during my meetings with the pilgrims.  Thank you very much!

I also send warm greetings to the faithful following the Angelus from Saint Peter’s Square.

I wish you all a happy Sunday!

The Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” Mutua Concordia of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV amending Canons 106 and 126 of the Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium , may be consulted in Italian and Latin .

Appointment of coadjutor archbishop of the archdiocese of Cuzco, Peru

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Lizardo Estrada Herrera, O.S.A., as coadjutor archbishop of the metropolitan archdiocese of Cuzco, Peru, transferring him from the titular see of Ausuccura and the office of auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese.

Curriculum vitae

Archbishop-elect Lizardo Estrada Herrera, O.S.A., was born on 23 September 1973 in the province of Cotabambas, metropolitan archdiocese of Cuzco.

He studied philosophy in the Nuestra Señora de Cocharcas Seminary in Abancay, and theology in the San Carlos y San Marcelo Seminary in the metropolitan archdiocese of Trujillo.

He gave his first vows in the Order of Saint Augustine on 16 May 1998, and his solemn profession on 27 May 2001. He was ordained a priest on 7 August 2005.

He obtained a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy, Rome, and studied pedagogy at the Instituto Juan Pablo II in Trujillo, Peru. He was later awarded a licentiate in education from the Universidad Católica de Trujillo , Peru, and a doctorate in pastoral theology at the Universidad Pontificia de Medellín , Colombia. Finally, he attended a postgraduate course in the social doctrine of the Church and social pastoral ministry at the Centro Bíblico Teológico Pastoral para América Latina y el Caribe of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM).

He has held various offices, including: teacher at the Instituto Superior Pedagógico de Tambobamba, Apurímac (2004-2005); parish vicar of Señor de la Exaltación in Chuquibambilla, bursar of the Augustinian Convent and teacher of religion in the Colegio Túpac Amaru in Cuzco (2005-2006); professor of moral theology in the San Antonio Abad Archdiocesan Seminary of Cuzco (2006-2009); professor of philosophical ethics and formator of novices at the Fray Diego Ortiz , parish vicar of Santa Rita de Casia and executive director of the Santa Rita Hospital in Cuzco (2006-2010); regional vicar as Major Superior of the Augustinian Fathers of the vicariate of San Agustín de Apurímac (2013-2016); prior of the Fray Giego Ortiz Augustinian Convent and promoter and director general of the Colegio San Agustín de Hipona in Cuzco (2013-2017); member of the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors, and episcopal vicar for Consecrated Life of the metropolitan archdiocese of Cuzco (2015-2018); parish priest of Santa Rita de Casia in Cuzco (2017-2018); episcopal vicar for consecrated life in the archdiocese of Trujillo and chair of the Federation of the Augustinians of the Vicariates of Peru (2019-2021).

On 9 January 2021 he was appointed titular bishop of Ausuccura and auxiliary of the archdiocese of Cuzco, receiving episcopal ordination the following 22 February.

Since 2023, he has served as secretary general of the Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y Caribeño.