Vatican repudiates the 'Doctrine of Discovery,' which underpinned colonialism; with origins in the 15th century, it was invoked as a legal and religious standing by Europeans who "discovered" new lands and violently seized it from people living there

Failure of education is a cultural genocide that robs children of their future, Pope Francis told the Dicastery for Culture and Education at first Plenary Assembly, and dicasters “are morally obliged” to help 250 million children who do not attend school

Addressing COP29 on behalf of Pope Francis and the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin urged urgent climate action, linking environmental protection to peace, justice, and global solidarity, and warning that indifference enables injustice

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its first report; after 10 years of extensive research across five continents, it identifies progress in best practices and steps to be take, calls for more transparency and rigorous response

The Baldacchino above the tomb of St. Peter was inaugurated after nine months of restoration; from 27 October to 8 December, the ancient Chair of St. Peter will be displayed at the foot of the High Altar before being reinstalled in Bernini's bronze throne