Tuesday 4th August. 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
Syro-Malabar community celebrates new permanent church in Craigneuk
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/provost-attends-consecration-new-church-37491816
At a glance:
- The Syro-Malabar Catholic community has consecrated its new permanent church in Craigneuk, within the Diocese of Motherwell
- The former Church of Scotland building has become a lasting place of worship for a community established in the diocese for more than 25 years
- Civic and Church leaders welcomed the milestone, marking a new chapter for the growing congregation
UK
Catholic leaders welcome Prime Minister’s commitment to palliative care
Source: https://www.osvnews.com/uk-catholic-leaders-praise-burnham-on-end-of-life-care-call-for-faith-driven-leadership/
At a glance:
- Catholic bishops welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to strengthening palliative and social care
- Church leaders renewed their opposition to assisted dying ahead of Parliament’s September vote
- Catholic charities also urged the Prime Minister to apply Catholic social teaching to poverty, climate and homelessness
Robert Ashdown appointed Chair of Stella Maris UK
Source: https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/55533
At a glance:
- Robert Ashdown has been appointed Chair of Trustees of Stella Maris UK, succeeding Capt Esteban Pacha
- He brings extensive maritime experience and previously served as a trustee of the charity
- Stella Maris continues to provide practical, pastoral and spiritual support to seafarers, fishers and their families
Pope / Vatican
Pope Leo XIV reflects on immigration, family history and America in NBC interview
Source: https://www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/in-nbc-interview-pope-leo-xiv-says
At a glance:
- Pope Leo spoke of his family’s immigrant roots and acknowledged ancestors who were both enslaved and slave owners
- He praised America’s tradition of welcoming people from around the world while highlighting the dignity of migrants
- The Pope also confirmed he hopes to visit the United States within the next couple of years
Worldwide
Medjugorje shrine vandalised days before international youth festival
Source: https://www.romereports.com/en/2026/07/28/the-devil-in-a-skirt-vandals-deface-the-statue-of-virgin-mary-in-medjugorje/
At a glance:
- Statues of the Virgin Mary and parts of the Medjugorje shrine were vandalised just days before Mladifest
- Pilgrimages and prayer services continue while the damaged sites are restored
- The attack has prompted renewed calls for prayer and support for the shrine
Nigerian bishops call for democratic reform ahead of 2027 elections
Source: https://www.nigeriacatholicnetwork.com/catholic-church-point-ways-to-build-democratic-trust-ahead-of-2027-general-elections-2/
At a glance:
- Nigeria’s Catholic bishops called for free, fair and credible elections in 2027 to rebuild public trust
- They urged action on insecurity, poverty and protection of religious freedom
- The bishops also invited President Tinubu to extend a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Nigeria
Melkite Catholic Patriarchate in Damascus vandalised after burglary
Source: https://syriacpress.com/blog/2026/07/28/melkite-greek-rum-catholic-patriarchate-in-daramsuq-vandalized-after-burglary-renewing-security-concerns/
At a glance:
- The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate in Damascus was vandalised following a burglary
- Church leaders have called for a full investigation and greater protection for Christian sites
- The incident follows a series of attacks targeting Christian churches and symbols in Syria