The week ahead: Back to work, assisted suicide, and a World Youth Day anthem

Here are some of the stories to be on the lookout for in the coming week: 

Pope Leo announces August prayer intention

A new month brings a new prayer intention from Pope Leo XIV. For August, the Holy Father has asked Catholics to pray for those living in cities and for the evangelisation of urban communities.

“Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community,” Pope Leo said.

Pope Leo’s summer break has now concluded. He will resume his Wednesday General Audiences at the Vatican on August 5 before travelling to Assisi the following day to address participants in the “Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting 2026”.