Monday 27th April. 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
Swinney condemns Trump remarks about Pope as “utterly deplorable”
Source: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/national/26019992.trumps-remarks-pope-utterly-deplorable-swinney-says/
At a Glance:
• First Minister John Swinney described Donald Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV as “completely and utterly deplorable”.
• The criticism comes amid wider tensions over international conflict and the Pope’s calls for peace.
• Swinney emphasised the Pope’s role as a global voice for peace and moral leadership.
UK
Archbishop of Canterbury to meet Pope Leo amid calls for peace
Source: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/national/26054543.archbishop-canterbury-meet-pope-leo-amid-calls-peace/
At a Glance:
• The Archbishop of Canterbury is set to meet Pope Leo XIV.
• The meeting comes amid renewed calls for global peace.
• Highlights ongoing ecumenical and diplomatic engagement.
Archbishop Richard Moth elected President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Source: https://rcdow.org.uk/news/archbishop-richard-moth-elected-for-the-catholic-bishops-conference-of-england-and-wales/
At a Glance:
• Archbishop Richard Moth has been elected President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
• He succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols in the role.
• The position plays a key role in representing the Catholic Church in England and Wales at a national level.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope warns humanity’s future at risk and urges respect for international law
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/pope-warns-humanitys-destiny-could-be-tragically-compromised-and-calls-on-politicians-to-respect-international-law-13534652
At a Glance:
• Pope Leo XIV warned humanity’s future could be “tragically compromised”.
• He urged political leaders to respect international law.
• The comments come amid rising global tensions and conflict.
Pope speaks out on global conflict and moral responsibility
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c80m4822m1no
At a Glance:
• Pope Leo XIV addressed ongoing global conflicts and humanitarian concerns.
• He emphasised the moral responsibility of political leaders.
• The Vatican continues to position itself as a voice for peace.
WORLDWIDE
US Catholics gather for Mass following tensions between Trump and Pope
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/19/catholics-mass-trump-pope-leo-georgia
At a Glance:
• Catholics in the US gathered for Mass following tensions involving Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
• The situation reflects divisions within political and religious discourse.
• Demonstrates how global politics is influencing Catholic communities.
US Catholic leader defends Pope amid political criticism
Source: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/04/leader-of-830000-nj-catholics-defends-pope-amid-trump-attacks/
At a Glance:
• A US Catholic leader publicly defended Pope Leo XIV amid criticism from Donald Trump.
• The dispute centres on international conflict and moral leadership.
• Highlights growing tension between political figures and Church leadership.