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.
SCOTLAND
Scottish bishops urge politicians to reject assisted suicide bill
Source: https://www.ncregister.com/cna/scottish-bishops-urge-politicians-to-reject-dreadful-assisted-suicide-bill
At a Glance:
- Scottish bishops warn the assisted suicide bill would have serious moral consequences.
- Emphasises risks to vulnerable people and wider society.
- Also seen in: Catholic Vote, upday
Catholics urged to lobby Scottish Parliament as Jersey passes assisted suicide law
Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/catholics-urged-to-lobby-scottish-parliament-as-jersey-passes-dangerous-assisted-suicide-law/
At a Glance:
- Catholic leaders encourage engagement with MSPs ahead of Holyrood vote.
- Jersey legislation cited as warning of possible expansion of assisted dying laws.
- Highlights growing debate on euthanasia across UK jurisdictions.
- Also seen in: EWTN
Row breaks out over sectarianism in Scottish politics
Source: https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/row-breaks-out-over-sectarian-36828805.amp
At a Glance:
- Political dispute erupts over claims of sectarian attitudes in Scottish public life.
- Debate centres on religion and national identity.
- Reflects ongoing sensitivities around sectarianism in Scotland.
Church leaders demand answers over church repair funding cut
Source: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/church-leaders-demand-answers-over-shock-church-repair-funding-cut
At a Glance:
- Christian leaders criticise reduction in funding for church building repairs.
- Warn historic places of worship could face deterioration.
- Calls for government clarification on future support.
- Also seen in: ACN, The Herald, Christian Today, Herald Series, The Herald, London Evening Standard, ICN, AOL
Lib Dem MSP responds to bishops’ criticism of assisted dying bill
Source: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/lib-dem-msp-responds-to-bishops-assisted-dying-criticisms
At a Glance:
- Liam McArthur responds to Catholic bishops’ opposition to assisted dying legislation.
- Argues proposed safeguards would protect vulnerable people.
- Highlights continuing public and political debate ahead of the parliamentary vote.
- Also seen in: Yahoo News
UK
New Catholics invited to take part in national survey
Source: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/new-catholics-invited-to-take-part-in-national-survey/
At a Glance:
- Catholic bishops invite recent converts to participate in national research.
- Survey aims to understand conversion experiences and motivations.
- Findings expected to inform evangelisation efforts.
Former director of Oxford seminary converts to Catholicism
Source: https://zenit.org/2026/03/05/former-director-of-oxford-seminary-converts-to-catholicism/
At a Glance:
- Former Anglican seminary leader received into the Catholic Church.
- Conversion described as result of theological reflection.
- Story highlights ongoing interest in Catholicism among clergy.
POPE/VATICAN
Pope Leo warns of ‘irreparable abyss’ if diplomacy fails in Middle East
Source: https://catholicreview.org/pope-leo-warns-of-irreparable-abyss-if-diplomacy-doesnt-take-over-violence-in-iran-middle-east/
At a Glance:
- Pope calls for diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
- Warns continued violence could deepen global instability.
- Appeals for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Angola unveils logo and prayer ahead of Pope Leo XIV visit
Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/20509/angola-unveils-logo-motto-and-prayer-ahead-of-pope-leo-xivs-planned-visit
At a Glance:
- Preparations underway for papal visit to Angola.
- Organisers reveal official motto, logo and pilgrimage prayer.
- Visit expected to strengthen Church presence in Africa.
WORLD
Catholic priest survives attempted murder at parish office in Angola
Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/20491/catholic-priest-survives-attempted-murder-at-parish-office-in-luanda-angola
At a Glance:
- Priest attacked in parish office in Luanda but survives the incident.
- Authorities investigating the attempted murder.
- Raises concerns about safety of clergy in the region.
South Korea: Catholics hold Masses calling for nuclear disarmament
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-02/south-korea-masses-denuclearization-appeal-fukushima-anniversary.html
At a Glance:
- Catholic communities mark Fukushima anniversary with peace Masses.
- Calls renewed for nuclear disarmament in the region.
- Church leaders highlight moral responsibility for peace.