EU Sanctions Deal: The EU has approved its 21st Russia sanctions package after weeks of veto threats, with several measures weakened through country-by-country concessions; Bulgaria first blocked it, demanding Patriarch Kirill be removed, and Italy later aligned with Vatican concerns about “political” sanctions targeting religious figures, leading to Kirill’s removal alongside other names. Vatican Cybersecurity: The Vatican’s “Click to Pray” prayer app is reported to have leaked hundreds of thousands of users’ names and email addresses after a discovered vulnerability exposed PII for account holders and staff, raising fresh questions about data protection. Vatican Leadership & Economy: Sister Alessandra Smerilli, an economics PhD alum, has been appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a senior post overseeing migrants, the environment and development. Church Finance & Abuse Settlements: The Diocese of Buffalo sold three downtown properties for $4.6m to help fund a $150m clergy sex abuse settlement for more than 800 victims, while state lawmakers renewed calls for criminal investigation. Food Security in Rome: A UN report launched at FAO in Rome estimates 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, warning that conflict and climate risks could still destabilize global food systems. Middle East Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV renewed calls for peace as Iran-war tensions escalate, urging negotiations and warning of widening humanitarian and economic fallout.