Pope Leo XIV urged prayers for typhoon victims in Asia, as Super Typhoon Ragasa left at least 18 dead and triggered international response.

Pope Leo XIV prayed for victims of Super Typhoon Ragasa during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on September 29, 2025, expressing solidarity with affected populations across Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, southern China, Macau, and Vietnam. The storm, the year’s strongest tropical cyclone, caused at least 18 deaths and seven missing, primarily in Taiwan’s Hualien County, with widespread damage and ongoing rescue efforts. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Pope, highlighting longstanding diplomatic ties with the Holy See. In related developments, Poland became Taiwan’s top drone importer, prompting a Taiwanese company to plan a factory there, while U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation grew and Taiwan’s Coast Guard expelled two Chinese research vessels from its maritime zone. Tainan City announced plans for Taiwan’s first monorail system, and a Taiwanese billionaire was indicted over alleged violations of cross-strait investment laws.