Monday 1st 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 abortion figures reach record numbers
Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/news/bishop-responds-with-concern-to-scotland-s-record-abortion-figures
Also seen in: https://thecatholicherald.com/article/scotland-abortion-numbers-highest-ever-on-record
At a glance:
- Church leaders expressed concern after Scotland recorded its highest-ever abortion figures
- Particular alarm raised over increases in repeat and disability-selective abortions
- Calls renewed for greater support for mothers and unborn children
UK
Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland welcome Magnifica Humanitas
Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/bishops-of-england-wales-and-scotland-welcome-magnifica-humanitas/
Also seen in: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55078
At a glance:
- Bishops across Britain welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s new document Magnifica Humanitas
- The statement highlights the importance of human dignity in the age of AI
- Church leaders encouraged Catholics to engage with the document’s themes
UK primary schools echo Pope Leo’s call to pray for peace
Source: https://acnuk.org/news/2026/05/29/uk-primary-schools-echo-pope-leos-call-pray-peace
At a glance:
- Catholic primary schools across the UK joined prayer initiatives for peace
- Response followed Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for prayer amid global conflict
- Pupils took part through liturgies, assemblies and classroom activities
POPE / VATICAN
Ghana welcomes Pope’s apology over Catholic Church’s role in slavery
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy2d6j14l5o
At a glance:
- Ghana welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s apology for the Church’s historic role in legitimising slavery
- Pope Leo acknowledged the suffering caused by slavery and called it “a wound in Christian memory”
- Ghana described the move as an important step towards truth, reconciliation and justice
The moving moment Pope Leo XIV knelt to help a priest
Source: https://aleteia.org/2026/05/28/the-moving-moment-pope-leo-xiv-knelt-to-help-a-priest/
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV praised for a humble gesture during a public event
- Images showed the Pope kneeling to assist an elderly priest
- Moment widely shared online as an example of pastoral humility
WORLDWIDE
Documents for the cause of the Cambodian martyrs arrive in the Vatican
Source: https://www.fides.org/en/news/77743-ASIA_CAMBODIA_Documents_for_the_cause_of_the_Cambodian_martyrs_in_the_Vatican_A_priceless_spiritual_heritage_for_the_Church_and_the_world
At a glance:
- Documentation submitted to the Vatican for the Cambodian martyrs’ cause
- Martyrs recognised for witness during the Khmer Rouge regime
- Described as an important spiritual legacy for the Church
Catholic Health Australia appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Source: https://therecord.com.au/news/national/catholic-health-australia/catholic-health-australia-appoints-new-chief-executive-officer/
At a glance:
- Catholic Health Australia announced the appointment of a new CEO
- The organisation represents one of Australia’s largest healthcare networks
- Leadership change comes amid growing healthcare challenges nationwide
Hundreds of churches open doors as Europe marks Night of Churches
Source: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/05/25/hundreds-of-churches-open-doors-to-all-as-europe-marks-night-of-churches/
At a glance:
- Churches across Europe welcomed visitors for the annual Night of Churches initiative
- Events included prayer, music, tours and cultural activities
- Initiative aims to strengthen engagement between churches and local communities