Please find below this week’s media update, kindly provided by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Office of Communications and Evangelisation. The briefing includes coverage from Scotland and the wider UK, together with Vatican and international developments. Please click on the link in each item to be taken to the full article.
SCOTTISH PRESS
Meet Scotland’s Two Youngest Priests
Source: https://www.ncregister.com/features/meet-scotland-s-two-youngest-priests
At a Glance:
• Profiles Fr Aidan Matheson (Aberdeen) and Fr Christopher Furmage (Motherwell) as the youngest priests currently serving in Scotland.
• Explores their vocational journeys and the challenges of priestly ministry in a secularised cultural context.
Scottish Nationalists “Want to Remove Catholicism” Claim Sparks Debate
Source: https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-nationalists-want-remove-catholicism-36747035
At a Glance:
• Opinion-driven coverage alleging anti-Catholic sentiment within strands of nationalist discourse.
• Broader questions about religion’s place in Scottish public life and national identity.
Scottish Catholics fear SNP’s religion & schools bill could erode rights
Source: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25870502.scottish-catholics-fear-snps-religion-schools-bill/
At a Glance:
• Catholic leaders warn of impact on denominational schools.
• Concerns over weakening parental rights and faith ethos.
Scottish Bishop Highlights Ethiopia’s Water Crisis with Unusual Stunt
Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/europe/scottish-bishop-highlights-ethiopia-s-water-crisis-with-unusual-stunt
At a Glance:
• Bishop Brian McGee undertakes a symbolic public act to draw attention to water poverty in Ethiopia.
• SCIAF’s Lenten WEE BOX appeal and Catholic social teaching on human dignity.
Christian groups criticise Scottish religious education bill ahead of Holyrood vote
Source: https://www.gbnews.com/news/scottish-religious-education-bill-church-scotland-snp
At a Glance:
• Faith leaders warn changes could weaken protections for religious education and observance.
• Concerns raised about pupil withdrawal rights overriding parental wishes.
NEWS FROM THE VATICAN
Pope Leo XIV Marks Ash Wednesday with Call to Repentance and Peace
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/pope-leo-laments-world-in-flames-ash-wednesday-service-2026-02-18/
At a Glance:
• The Pope links Lenten observance to global conflict and ecological crisis.
• Emphasises repentance, solidarity and care for the vulnerable.
Vatican Declines Participation in Proposed Gaza “Board of Peace”
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/vatican-says-it-will-not-participate-trumps-board-peace-2026-02-18/
At a Glance:
• Holy See signals preference for multilateral UN-led peace efforts.
Vatican to use AI to translate Mass in 60 languages at St. Peter’s Basilica
Source: https://www.euronews.com/next/2026/02/17/vatican-will-use-ai-to-translate-mass-in-60-languages-at-st-peters-basilica
At a Glance:
• Vatican introduces AI-assisted live translation of Mass into up to 60 languages via QR code streaming.
• Part of initiatives for the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting Church openness to technology.
INTERNATIONAL SNAPSHOT
Nigeria: “Catholics returning in their thousands, not hundreds,” say bishops
Source: https://acnuk.org/news/2026/02/18/nigeria-catholics-returning-their-thousands-not-hundreds-say-bishops
At a Glance:
• Nigerian bishops report large numbers of Catholics returning to the Church.
• Sign of spiritual renewal amid security and social challenges.
Is Passion for Christ the latest Gen Z trend?
Source: https://kingstoncourier.co.uk/is-passion-for-christ-the-latest-gen-z-trend/
At a Glance:
• Rising Christian engagement among some Gen Z young adults.
• Connections between social media, identity search and faith expression.
Ash Wednesday boom gives hope to French Catholics; witnessing “rebirth of faith”
Source: https://www.osvnews.com/ash-wednesday-boom-gives-hope-to-french-catholics-theyre-witnessing-rebirth-of-faith/
At a Glance:
• Reports increased attendance at Ash Wednesday services across France.
• Local clergy describe it as encouraging sign of renewed practice.
JD Vance apology to Cardinal Dolan after comments about Polish Catholics
Source: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/jd-vance-apology-cardinal-dolan-1780603
At a Glance:
• US politician JD Vance issues an apology to Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
• Followed controversy over remarks interpreted as critical of Polish Catholic culture.