Monday 22nd 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
Scotland’s Ben Gannon-Doak inspires with faith during historic World Cup campaign
Source: https://ewtn.co.uk/chpop-scotland-wins-hearts-worldwide-meet-the-young-catholic-player-behind-historic-victory/
At a glance:
- Scottish footballer Ben Gannon-Doak has become one of the standout figures of Scotland’s historic World Cup campaign
- The 20-year-old has spoken openly about how his Catholic faith and devotion to St Michael the Archangel guide his life and career
- He hopes to be a witness to faith while navigating the pressures of professional football
Livingston school’s football stars triumph on national stage
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/livingston-schools-football-stars-triumph-37316177
At a glance:
- Pupils from a Livingston school celebrated success after winning a national football competition
- The achievement highlighted teamwork, determination and dedication both on and off the pitch
- Teachers praised the young people for representing their schools and community with pride
Scotland’s youngest priest ordained in Blantyre
Source: https://theblantyretelegraph.com/2026/06/20/congratulations-to-fr-kieran-burt-on-his-ordination/
At a glance:
- Fr Kieran Burt was ordained to the priesthood at St Joseph’s Church, Blantyre, on 19 June
- At 25, he becomes Scotland’s youngest priest
- Hundreds gathered from across the Diocese of Motherwell to celebrate the ordination
UK
Bishops of England and Wales issue statement on assisted dying bill
Source: https://zenit.org/2026/06/18/statement-by-the-bishops-of-england-and-wales-on-the-reintroduction-of-the-bill-on-adults-with-terminal-illnesses-end-of-life-care/
At a glance:
- Bishops renewed their opposition to the proposed assisted dying legislation currently before Parliament
- They warned the bill could undermine protections for vulnerable people and change the culture of end-of-life care
- Catholics were encouraged to continue promoting compassionate palliative care and support for the dying
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo XIV prays for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby
Source: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/06/17/pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-parents-who-have-suffered-the-loss-of-a-baby/
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for parents grieving the loss of a baby, acknowledging their pain and suffering
- He encouraged the Church to accompany bereaved families with compassion and hope
- The Pope reminded parents that every child’s life is precious and held in God’s love
Pope Leo XIV could return to Peru in November
Source: https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=69794
At a glance:
- Peru’s president announced that Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit the country for up to 10 days in November
- The proposed itinerary includes Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco and several other cities
- Pope Leo has strong ties to Peru, having served there as a missionary priest and later as Bishop of Chiclayo
Pope authorises beatification of 20 Spanish martyrs
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/pope-decrees-beatification-martyrs-spanish-civil-war-venerables.html
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV approved the beatification of 20 priests killed during the Spanish Civil War because of their faith
- The priests, from Ibiza and Formentera, were among those persecuted during the anti-religious violence of 1936
- The Pope also recognised the heroic virtues of five Servants of God, advancing their causes for sainthood
WORLDWIDE
Cardinal Camillo Ruini dies aged 95
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/06/17/cardinal-camillo-ruini-pope-john-paul-ii-vicar-of-rome/
At a glance:
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, a leading figure in the Italian Church, has died aged 95
- He served for 17 years as Vicar General of Rome under Pope St John Paul II
- He played a significant role in shaping Catholic life and public debate in Italy
Sudan mourns Catholic priest killed after reporting theft of medicines
Source: https://www.aciafrica.org/news/22499/sudan-mourns-catholic-priest-killed-after-reporting-theft-of-medicines-for-vulnerable-community
At a glance:
- Sudan is mourning the death of a Catholic priest who was killed after reporting the theft of medicines
- He was known for his work supporting vulnerable people in his community
- Church leaders have called for justice and renewed prayers for peace in the country