Tuesday 21st July. 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
Church leaders seek support for Scotland’s historic places of worship
Source: https://www.gbnews.com/politics/scotland-news-snp-christians-furious-churches-left-crumble-funding-row
At a glance:
- Church leaders are urging the Scottish Government to introduce support for listed churches following the end of a UK-wide VAT relief scheme
- They warn rising repair costs could threaten historic church buildings and community projects
- Ministers say they are exploring options, but funding constraints limit what can be introduced
Dalí masterpiece unveiled in new gallery at Kelvingrove
Source: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/16561436/scotlands-favourite-painting-moves-see-it/
At a glance:
- Salvador Dalí’s Christ of St John of the Cross has gone on display in a newly designed gallery at Kelvingrove Museum
- The immersive exhibition explores the painting’s spiritual inspiration and artistic significance
- The work was recently displayed in the Vatican as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee celebrations
UK & Ireland
Pope appoints Bishop Michael Router as Bishop of Derry
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrjg1y0vjko
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Michael Router as the new Bishop of Derry
- He succeeds Bishop Donal McKeown, who submitted his resignation after reaching the age of 75
- Bishop Router said he would listen to those who have become distant from the Church and work towards healing and reconciliation
Catholic Sisters meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House
Source: https://www.uisg.org/en/news/catholic-sisters-meet-again-with-her-majesty-the-queen-2026/
At a glance:
- Representatives of Catholic women religious met Queen Camilla to discuss their work supporting vulnerable women and girls
- The meeting highlighted the contribution of around 600,000 Sisters working in areas including human trafficking, poverty, conflict and climate change
- Sisters also presented the growth of the Talitha Kum anti-trafficking network and its work in more than 110 countries
Pope / Vatican
Pope shares lunch with poor and vulnerable families
Source: https://www.ucanews.com/news/pope-shares-lunch-with-the-poor-during-his-holiday/114293
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV shared lunch with 200 poor and vulnerable people, including 40 children, at Castel Gandolfo
- He called for a Church that welcomes everyone and works for justice, reconciliation and peace
- The Pope said Christians must build bridges and help address the causes of poverty
Pope Leo expected to visit Uruguay during South American trip
Source: https://zenit.org/2026/07/16/pope-leo-xiv-to-visit-uruguay-cardinal-sturla-reveals-details-about-the-popes-upcoming-trip-to-south-america/
At a glance:
- Cardinal Daniel Sturla said Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Uruguay in November as part of a wider South American journey
- The proposed trip could also include Argentina and Peru, although the Vatican has not yet confirmed the itinerary
- Possible events include a Mass at the National Shrine of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three and visits to Catholic social projects
Worldwide
Vatican diplomat visits communities affected by attacks in Ukraine
Source: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55467
At a glance:
- Archbishop Paul Gallagher visited churches and communities damaged by Russian attacks in Kyiv
- He conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s prayers and closeness to the people of Ukraine
- The visit included prayer at St Nicholas Church and a memorial for civilians killed in a missile strike
Global experts gather to discuss peace and artificial intelligence
Source: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55435
At a glance:
- More than 200 experts, including Nobel laureates and leading artificial intelligence researchers, gathered in Rome
- Discussions focused on peace, nuclear and autonomous weapons, emerging technologies and international security
- The meeting was expected to produce a declaration promoting human dignity, responsible innovation and disarmament