Weekly Media Update

Press releases

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

Scotland bishops say assisted suicide bill violates religious freedom
Source: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-uk-and-ireland/2026/03/scotland-bishops-say-assisted-suicide-bill-violates-religious-freedom

Premier League’s Ben Doak shares Catholic faith, crediting St Michael for protection
Source: https://thecatholicherald.com/article/premier-leagues-ben-doak-shares-catholic-faith-crediting-st-michael-for-keeping-away-all-evil

  • At a Glance:
  • Scotland international Ben Doak speaks publicly about his Catholic faith.
  • Credits prayer and devotion to St Michael the Archangel.
  • Describes faith as central to his personal life and football career.

Don’t force Catholics to abide by assisted dying
Source: https://spectator.com/article/dont-force-catholics-to-abide-by-assisted-dying/

  • At a Glance:
  • Commentary argues Catholic institutions should not be compelled to participate in assisted dying.
  • Raises concerns about conscience protections and religious liberty.
  • Highlights ethical tensions surrounding the proposed legislation.

Francesca Brennan defends faith-based education in Scotland
Source: https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/25928438.francesca-brennan-defends-faith-based-education-scotland/

  • At a Glance:
  • Inverclyde councillor Francesca Brennan defends denominational education in Scotland.
  • Argues faith schools contribute positively to Scottish society and parental choice.
  • Comments come amid wider debate over religious education and faith schools.

UK

Religious broadcasting ‘vital’ in a multi-faith society, bishop says. 

Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/religious-broadcasting-vital-in-multi-faith-society/

  • At a Glance:
  • Bishop John Arnold says religious broadcasting remains important in modern Britain.
  • Faith programming helps foster dialogue in an increasingly diverse society.
  • Comments come amid debate about the future of religious content on public service broadcasting.

Catholic anti-trafficking initiative Santa Marta Group closes

Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/anti-trafficking-santa-marta-group-shuts-down/

  • At a Glance:
  • The Santa Marta Group, a Catholic-inspired anti-trafficking partnership, has closed.
  • It connected bishops and police leaders in efforts to combat modern slavery.
  • Its closure raises questions about future Church collaboration in tackling human trafficking.

POPE / VATICAN

Pope Leo XIV moves into apartment in Apostolic Palace
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-03/pope-leo-xiv-apostolic-palace-move-papal-apartment.html

  • At a Glance:
  • Pope Leo XIV decides to reside in the traditional papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace.
  • Move marks a shift from the recent precedent of living in Casa Santa Marta.
  • Seen as a return to long-standing papal practice.

Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East conflicts
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/03/15/pope-leo-to-warring-nations-in-the-middle-east-cease-fire/

  • At a Glance:
  • Pope appeals to nations involved in Middle East conflicts to pursue a ceasefire.
  • Warns continued violence risks deepening regional instability.
  • Urges diplomacy and humanitarian concern for civilians.

WORLDWIDE

US cardinals criticise U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran as morally unjustified
Source: https://apnews.com/article/0156c759d1bbdf1cadc0cd8f48cc8c82

  • At a Glance:
  • Senior U.S. Catholic cardinals publicly criticise military strikes on Iran.
  • Argue the action fails to meet Catholic “just war” principles.
  • Highlights growing Church engagement in global conflict debates.

Catholic priest killed while rescuing parishioner during Middle East conflict
Source: https://www.ncronline.org/news/lebanese-maronite-catholic-priest-killed-israeli-tank-fire-southern-lebanon

  • At a Glance:
  • Maronite priest Fr. Pierre al-Rahi killed by Israeli tank fire in southern Lebanon.
  • He had rushed to assist wounded residents after an initial strike.
  • Highlights dangers faced by clergy remaining with communities in conflict zones.

Christian leaders who start wars should examine their conscience, says Pope
Source: https://www.whsv.com/2026/03/13/pope-leo-suggests-christian-leaders-who-start-wars-go-confession/

  • At a Glance:
  • Pope Leo says Christian political leaders responsible for wars should examine their conscience.
  • Remarks linked to ongoing global conflicts and just-war ethics.
  • Highlights moral debate on religion and political responsibility.