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Pope Leo XIV Visits The Tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf - Lebanon

Pope Leo poses with the monks at the Monastery of St. Maroun in Annaya, Lebanon on December 1, 2025, after a prayer at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf , during the second day of his Apostolic visit to Lebanon. Canonized in 1977, this Lebanese Maronite monk and hermit lived from 1828 to 1898 and led a life of extreme asceticism. During his life, he obtained a wide reputation for holiness, and for his ability to unite Christians, Muslims and Druze. He is known among Lebanese Christians as the ‘Miracle Monk of Lebanon. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Buddhist monks from World Heritage-listed Kinpusenji Temple head out for their annual year-end street fundraising campaign in Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 1, 2025.

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Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

A Tendai Buddhist monk from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, visits a home in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by the Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

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Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Tendai Buddhist monks from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, walk around houses in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

The graves of the seven monks assassinated in 1996 are seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

The graves of the seven monks assassinated in 1996 are seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

The graves of the seven monks assassinated in 1996 are seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

Photos of the seven monks assassinated in 1996 are displayed on a wall at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

Photos of the seven monks assassinated in 1996 are displayed on a wall at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibhirine Monastery Memorial - Medea

A view of the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, Algeria, on November 24, 2025. Christian de Cherge, Luc Dochier, Christophe Lebreton, Bruno Lemarchand, Michel Fleury, Celestin Ringeard, and Paul Favre-Miville - lived at the Notre Dame de Tibhirine monastery near Medea, where they were known for their commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence with the local Muslim community. During the night of March 26-27, 1996, the monks were kidnapped by an armed group amid escalating violence in the region. Weeks later, on May 21, 1996, a communique attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their execution. Their severed heads were discovered on May 30, 1996, four kilometers northwest of Medea, while their bodies were never recovered. Photo by Billel Bensalem/APP/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Rice for undernourished children in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, Nov. 14 Kyodo - Young monks at Tokyo's Zojoji temple prepare to send collected rice to undernourished children in the city on Aug. 11, 1930. (Photo by Japan Telegraphic Communication Co.)

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Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere

Kartiah Vergara, Daniel Monks, Abby Elliott, Jay Ellis, Dakota Fanning, Duke McCloud, Jake Lacy, Sarah Snook and Thomas Cocquerel attending Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere held at SVA Theater on November 3, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere

Kartiah Vergara, Daniel Monks, Abby Elliott, Jay Ellis, Dakota Fanning, Duke McCloud, Jake Lacy, Sarah Snook and Thomas Cocquerel attending Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere held at SVA Theater on November 3, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere

Daniel Monks attending Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere held at SVA Theater on November 3, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere

Daniel Monks attending Peacock's 'All Her Fault' New York Premiere held at SVA Theater on November 3, 2025 in New York City, NY Photo bySteven Bergman/AFF/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibetan Exile Daily Life Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj - India

Tibetan monks, watched by a cow, jump and take photos in front of the snowy Dhauladhar peaks on Triund ridge above Dharamsala, India, April 21, 2025. At the foot of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dharamsala, the heart of the Tibetan exile community, is home to the Central Tibetan Administration and His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. Though the exiled Tibetans have made a home in Dharamsala and other parts of India and the world, many long to return to Tibet, the land of snows. Photo by Alex Gist/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibetan Exile Daily Life Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj - India

A Tibetan boy plays with a gong mallet while monks perform pooja at the Kalachakra Temple in Mcleod Ganj, India, May 17, 2025. At the foot of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dharamsala, the heart of the Tibetan exile community, is home to the Central Tibetan Administration and His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. Though the exiled Tibetans have made a home in Dharamsala and other parts of India and the world, many long to return to the land of snows. Photo by Alex Gist/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Tibetan Exile Daily Life Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj - India

Two Tibetan monks take photos on the hike to Triund Ridge above Dharamsala, India, April 20, 2025. At the foot of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dharamsala, the heart of the Tibetan exile community, is home to the Central Tibetan Administration and His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama. Though the exiled Tibetans have made a home in Dharamsala and other parts of India and the world, many long to return to Tibet, the land of snows. Photo by Alex Gist/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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22nd China ASEAN Expo in Nanning

Monks visited the 22nd China ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi, China on September 20, 2025.

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY, THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY, THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Pays Cathare

FRANCE. AUDE (11) IN THE HEART OF CATHAR COUNTRY LIES THE CLOISTER OF THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY OF SAINTE-MARIE DE FONTFROIDE. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ABBEYS IN FRANCE. A CITADEL OF ORTHODOXY FOUNDED IN 1093, IT DEFENDED THE CATHOLIC FAITH AGAINST THE CATHAR HERETICS. AFTER THE MONKS LEFT IN 1901, WEALTHY MERCHANT COLLECTORS GUSTAVE AND MADELEINE FAYET TOOK OVER THE ABBEY, DECORATING AND EMBELLISHING IT. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Annual cleaning of Great Buddha in Nara

NARA, Japan, Aug. 7 Kyodo - Monks at Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara sweep dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, in an annual cleaning event. (Kyodo)

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Annual cleaning of Great Buddha in Nara

Monks at Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara sweep dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, in an annual cleaning event.

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Annual cleaning of Great Buddha in Nara

Monks at Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara sweep dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, in an annual cleaning event.

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Annual cleaning of Great Buddha in Nara

Monks at Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara sweep dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, in an annual cleaning event.

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM