Monday 12th October 2026. 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
Catholic Parliamentary Office welcomes SNP withdrawal of abortion motion
Link: Catholic Herald — Catholic Parliamentary Office welcomes SNP withdrawal of abortion motion
At a glance:
- The SNP removed the motion from its conference agenda.
- It proposed decriminalising self-administered abortion.
- Anthony Horan welcomed its withdrawal.
- Also seen on: Independent Catholic News
Scottish bishops respond to Green Party abortion proposals
Link: Crux — Scotland’s Catholic bishops decry Green Party abortion push
At a glance:
- Scottish Greens called for abortion decriminalisation.
- Bishop John Keenan responded on behalf of the Church.
- The bishops reiterated protection for mothers and unborn children.
- Also seen on: Christian Today · Premier Christian News
UK
Thousands join Adoremus Eucharistic procession through London
Link: Independent Catholic News — Thousands take part in Eucharistic Procession through London
At a glance:
- Thousands joined the procession on 10 October.
- It travelled from Southwark to Westminster Cathedral.
- Archbishop John Wilson carried the Blessed Sacrament.
Bishop Timothy Menezes appointed Bishop of Brentwood
Link: Catholic Herald — Bishop Timothy Menezes appointed Bishop of Brentwood
At a glance:
- Pope Leo made the appointment on 10 October.
- Bishop Menezes moves from Birmingham.
- He succeeds Bishop Alan Williams.
Ordinariate communities honour St John Henry Newman
Link: Catholic Herald — Ordinariate honours Newman with new statue and icon
At a glance:
- Two Ordinariate communities commissioned new Newman images.
- A new statue was blessed in London.
- A new icon was presented in Sussex.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove lung nodule
Link: Vatican News — Pope Leo to undergo surgery to remove nodule in his lung
At a glance:
- Pope Leo announced the news today.
- Doctors detected the nodule at a very early stage.
- Surgery is scheduled for the coming days.
Cardinal Tagle elected Dean of the College of Cardinals
Link: Vatican News — Cardinal Tagle elected new Dean of College of Cardinals
At a glance:
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle succeeds Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
- Pope Leo approved his election.
- Tagle remains pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
Pope Leo reaffirms Church opposition to the death penalty
Link: Vatican News — Pope Leo XIV rejects death penalty as attack on dignity of human person
At a glance:
- Leo called capital punishment inadmissible.
- He said it violates human dignity.
- He said justice can be secured without executions.
WORLDWIDE
Dates announced for 2028 International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney
Link: OSV News — Sydney bishops discuss plans for Eucharistic Congress with Pope Leo
At a glance:
- The Congress will run 24 September–1 October 2028.
- Sydney will host the gathering.
- Pope Leo discussed preparations with Australian bishops.
Holy See and Pakistan mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
Link: Vatican News — Archbishop Gallagher in Pakistan
At a glance:
- Holy See–Pakistan relations have reached 75 years.
- Archbishop Paul Gallagher visited Islamabad.
- Discussions centred on peace and religious freedom.
Catholic Church prepares for 100th World Mission Sunday
Link: OSV News — World Mission Sunday marks 100 years
At a glance:
- World Mission Sunday marks its centenary this year.
- Catholics worldwide will observe it on 18 October.
- Mission organisations report renewed engagement and storytelling.