SCOTLAND
Gen Z Catholic convert growth reported in Scotland
Link: Aleteia — Gen Z convert boom also happening in Scotland
- Scottish dioceses are reporting increased numbers of converts.
- Younger adults are a significant part of the growth.
- Several dioceses recorded notable rises during 2026.
Justice & Peace Scotland welcomes new UK settlement measures
Link: Catholic Herald — Scottish bishops welcome UK sanctions on Israeli settlements
At a glance
- Justice & Peace Scotland welcomed new UK measures on Israeli settlements.
- The measures include restrictions on goods from illegal settlements.
- The agency called the announcement a “much-needed step”.
Home Mission Sunday focuses Catholics on evangelisation
Link: Independent Catholic News — Bishop Egan reflects on Home Mission Sunday
At a glance
- 20 September is Home Mission Sunday in England and Wales.
- Bishop Philip Egan called Catholics to pray for evangelisation.
- This year restores the traditional Home Mission Sunday name.
Bill seeks to end restrictions on Catholic prime ministers
Link: EWTN News — UK bill proposes to lift historic restrictions
At a glance
- A new Bill targets historic restrictions affecting Catholic prime ministers.
- Catholics could advise the monarch on Church appointments.
- The restrictions date back to nineteenth-century legislation.
New research finds broadly positive attitudes towards religious education
Link: Christian Today — People view religious education positively, study finds
At a glance
- New research examined attitudes towards religious education in Britain.
- Most respondents saw value in learning about different religions.
- RE was also associated with greater understanding of faith.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo praises Catholics who led the Church in “new directions”
Link: EWTN News — Pope Leo highlights Catholic social teaching and lay leadership
At a glance
- Leo addressed the Leo XIV International Study Center on 18 September.
- He highlighted lay contributions to Catholic social teaching.
- He called for formation rooted in justice, solidarity and peace.
Pope Leo tells Special Olympics athletes they show the “true values of life”
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo welcomes Special Olympics athletes
At a glance
- Leo welcomed Special Olympics athletes on 19 September.
- He praised their courage, determination and joy.
- He recalled his own lifelong love of sport.
Pope Leo calls for help amid humanitarian crisis in Somalia
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo’s Angelus, 20 September
At a glance
- Leo highlighted Somalia’s humanitarian crisis on 20 September.
- Violence and extreme weather are worsening living conditions.
- He appealed for international assistance, especially for women and children.
Catholic Church in Malawi celebrates 125 years
Link: ACI Africa — Malawi celebrates 125 years of Catholic faith
At a glance
- Malawi marked 125 years of Catholic evangelisation on 19 September.
- Bishops, priests, religious and lay Catholics joined the celebrations.
- The anniversary honoured missionaries who established the Church there.
Asian Catholic digital missionaries gather for landmark assembly
Link: Vatican News — Asian digital missionaries called to Christian witness
At a glance
- More than 100 Catholic digital missionaries gathered in Manila.
- Participants included communicators, creators and faith influencers.
- The assembly developed a shared vision for digital evangelisation.
Forty Catholic digital missionaries prepare for Seoul World Youth Day
Link: AsiaNews — Digital missionaries heading towards Seoul WYD
At a glance
- Forty digital missionaries are preparing for WYD Seoul 2027.
- The initiative grew from this month’s gathering in Manila.
- Participants will develop new ways of reaching young Catholics online.
New California “Camino” creates Catholic pilgrimage route
Link: OSV News — New Camino of St Francis opens in California
At a glance
- A new Catholic pilgrimage route has been established in California.
- The Camino of St Francis links places associated with Franciscan spirituality.
- The route combines walking, prayer and encounters with local communities.
Lebanese Catholics prepare pilgrimage to St Charbel
Link: EWTN News — Lebanese faithful walk to St Charbel’s shrine
At a glance
- Lebanese Catholics are making a pilgrimage to St Charbel’s shrine.
- The walk is dedicated to Christians living in southern Lebanon.
Elaine Furmage
Communications Manager