Monday 8th June. 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
Sir James MacMillan appointed to the Order of the Thistle
Source: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26172799.king-charles-appoints-new-members-order-thistle/
At a glance:
- Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest order of honours
- The honour recognises his outstanding contribution to music and Scottish cultural life
- He joins a select group of individuals chosen personally by the King
Young people Camp Out for Hope at Carfin
Source: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55145
At a glance:
- Young people gathered at Carfin Grotto for an overnight prayer vigil in solidarity with persecuted and displaced Christians
- The event, organised with Aid to the Church in Need, included prayer, talks and fundraising activities
- More than £1,500 was raised to support suffering Christians around the world
UK
Catholics and Pentecostals in England hold first official talks
Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/news/catholics-and-pentecostals-in-england-hold-first-official-talks
At a glance:
- Representatives of the Catholic Church and Pentecostal movement held their first official dialogue in England
- Discussions focused on shared experiences, theological insights and opportunities for future collaboration
- Participants described the talks as an important step in building understanding and strengthening Christian unity
Radio Maria England relaunches under new name
Source: https://thecatholicherald.com/article/radio-maria-england-relaunches-under-new-name
At a glance:
- Radio Maria England has rebranded as Radio Maria United Kingdom
- The change reflects the station’s growing reach and audience
- Leaders hope the relaunch will strengthen evangelisation efforts across the four countries.
POPE / VATICAN
More than one million gather for Pope Leo XIV’s procession through Madrid
Source: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/national/26173030.1m-flood-madrids-streets-watch-popes-procession-along-flower-carpeted-route/
At a glance:
- Over one million people lined the streets of Madrid to see Pope Leo XIV
- The procession followed a route decorated with elaborate floral displays
- Visit forms part of the Pope’s first apostolic journey to Spain
Pope Leo appoints first laywoman to a top Vatican position
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/02/pope-leo-first-lay-woman-top-position-vatican-maria-montserrat-alvarado
At a glance:
- Maria Montserrat Alvarado has been appointed to a senior Vatican leadership role
- She becomes the first laywoman to hold the position
- The appointment reflects Pope Leo’s commitment to expanding lay leadership within the Church
WORLDWIDE
Vatican elevates Padre Pio shrine in the Philippines to international status
Source: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/vatican-elevates-batangas-st-padre-pio-shrine-to-international-status/
At a glance:
- The Vatican has granted international shrine status to the Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas
- It becomes one of only a small number of international shrines worldwide
- Recognition reflects the shrine’s growing importance as a pilgrimage destination
Cologne Cathedral to charge tourists for entry
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-cologne-cathedral-to-charge-tourists-12-for-entry/a-77396216
At a glance:
- Cologne Cathedral plans to introduce an entry charge for tourists
- Church leaders say the move is necessary to support maintenance costs
- Those attending services will continue to have free access
Catholic Bishop killed in Mozambique
Source: https://punchng.com/catholic-bishop-shot-dead-in-mozambique/
At a glance:
- Bishop Osorio Citora Afons was killed in a shooting in Mozambique
- Church leaders have expressed shock and called for prayers
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack