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Hello, I'm Gina Christian, and you're listening to our OSC Newscast for Thursday, August 27, 2026. Let's catch you up on the Catholic news of the day, and here we go. Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow following a catastrophic glacial collapse along the Nepal-China border that triggered massive flash floods and mudslides, so far killing almost 400 people, with more than 1,400 reported missing. In a telegram sent today by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and prayed for emergency rescue personnel. The disaster generated seismic activity equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude event north of Kathmandu, and it swept away entire villages, bridges, and pilgrimage routes near Mount Kalache. Local church officials called it the worst disaster in Nepal's history. Roughly 25 local Catholic families were reported safe, but at least one priest was stranded after a bridge collapsed following mass. Caritas Nepal has launched an international aid appeal, with Catholic Relief Services coordinating emergency relief efforts on the ground. The Archbishop reflected on the loss of 10-year-old Harper Moiskey and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel in the shooting, and he wrote, I have no doubt that their absence will be forever felt. My heart continues to go out to all who feel their loss. Annunciation leaders were encouraging acts of prayer and service on August 27th, and the city of Minneapolis planned a community remembrance event at Pearl Park. Archbishop Hebda wrote, I invite you to find a way to be a beacon of light within your own community, no matter your state in life. And he added, Please join me in praying for Annunciation and for all those in need of healing, as we are guided to walk together in the way of peace. On August 21st, U.S. District Court Judge Franklin Valderama placed a temporary restraining order on Illinois' End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act for specific individuals. The law is set to take effect on September 12th. The order applies to Catholic health care entities under the authority of Bishop Thomas Popraki of Springfield, along with four Catholic doctors and Lutheran Care Center, a nursing home in South Central Illinois. Two Catholic hospital systems, the Hospital Sisters Health System and OSF Healthcare's Springfield campus, are both in the diocese. In an August 24th news release, Peter Breen, executive vice president of the Thomas More Society, which is representing the plaintiffs, said this is a critical first victory for these faithful doctors, for Bishop Papraki's Catholic hospitals, and for the Lutheran Care Center. Valderama said his order is in place pending the result of two cases under appeal in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Thomas Moore Society is also involved in both suits, one of which was filed on the grounds of free speech, and the other on infringement of religious liberty. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on August 25th, Archbishop Gallagher said the Holy See's position remains clear. The conflict cannot be resolved by military means. The Archbishop said, it is essential to create the conditions for a serious political and diplomatic process. The meeting in Moscow marked Archbishop Gallagher's first talks with Lavrov in five years. After more than an hour of private discussions, Archbishop Gallagher described the exchange as constructive and stressed the importance of keeping communication open despite deep international tensions. He said, Let us be clear, this war must end. The Archbishop said both sides agreed on the need to protect civilians, maintain channels of communication, and cooperate on humanitarian concerns. Archbishop Gallagher also reiterated Pope Leo XIV's call for an end to hostilities and the start of authentic negotiations. Lavrov called the talks comprehensive and substantive, while saying Vatican-Russian relations remain trusting, friendly, and pragmatic. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which continues attacks launched in 2014, started on February 24th, 2022, with Russia continuously attacking civilian infrastructure and targets since its invasion began. Bishop Mark Beckman said he was very sorry to hear of her passing and was praying for those who are mourning her loss. The bishop added, She made a wonderful contribution to our world and our community, and she will be greatly missed. The 80-year-old Parton, whose many honors included 10 competitive Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a National Medal of the Arts, died on August 25th at Nashville's Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, following what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer. She was born in 1946 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, as the fourth of twelve children. And in its August 26th statement, the Diocese of Knoxville said she was a daughter of Severe County. Growing up in the heart of Appalachia, Parton ascended in the entertainment industry, finding success in the fields of country and pop music, developing a career in film, launching multiple business enterprises, and supporting numerous charitable efforts. The diocese said Parton's life carried the spirit of our mountain home far beyond the Smokies. We knew her as one of our own. She was shaped by these hills and these churches. Her life shows what can grow from faith, perseverance, imagination, and love for one's neighbors, even from humble beginnings. And that's your OSV Newscast for today. I'm Gina Christian. Check out the show notes for a link to our website. That's where you can find the stories in this episode and more. As always, please make sure to subscribe to this podcast, follow us on social media, and bookmark osvnews.com. Of course, a shout out to our listeners around the world. We love seeing you check in. Drop us a line. Let us know what you think. Thanks so much for listening, and God bless.

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