Monday 17th 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
Tributes paid to Glasgow priest who helped lead Pope John Paul II’s 1982 visit
Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/touching-tributes-pour-one-glasgows-101225967.html
Also seen in: The Herald
At a glance:
- Monsignor Dan Hart has died aged 94 after 70 years of priestly ministry
- He served as chief organiser of Pope John Paul II’s 1982 visit to Glasgow, when almost 300,000 people gathered at Bellahouston Park
- Tributes have remembered him as a kind, thoughtful and much-loved priest who remained active into retirement
UK / Ireland
Prime Minister Andy Burnham puts social care reform at centre of early agenda
Source: https://aleteia.org/2026/08/12/new-uk-leader-tackles-care-system-as-country-looks-at-euthanasia/
At a glance:
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for major reform of England’s social care system, saying vulnerable people are being failed by the current model
- His proposals include faster reform work, better conditions for care staff and cross-party talks on long-term funding
- Catholic bishops have welcomed his focus on palliative and social care ahead of September’s vote on assisted suicide legislation
Requiem Mass for Ann Widdecombe held at Buckfast Abbey
Source: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/requiem-mass-for-ann-widdecombe-held-at-buckfast-abbey/
At a glance:
- Ann Widdecombe’s Requiem Mass was celebrated at Buckfast Abbey, where she had been a regular worshipper
- The homily reflected on her public witness to the Catholic faith and her willingness to speak openly about her beliefs
- Bishop John Keenan offered condolences on behalf of the Bishops of Scotland and commended her soul to the mercy of God
Pope sends message of support to Leicester church after fire
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0qv9e4ne4wo
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV sent a message of spiritual solidarity to St Andrew’s Church in Leicester after it was badly damaged by fire
- The Church of England parish described the Pope’s message as a major encouragement during a difficult period
- The fire caused extensive damage, with repairs expected to take several years
Pope / Vatican
Pope Leo calls for humanitarian corridors in Sudan
Source: https://www.africanews.com/2026/08/10/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-humanitarian-corridor-in-sudan/
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV appealed for humanitarian corridors for civilians affected by fighting in Sudan
- He called for an immediate ceasefire and greater international support for peace efforts
- The Pope also renewed his appeal for diplomacy and protection of civilians in the war between Russia and Ukraine
Pope Leo confirms leadership of Vatican Council for the Economy
Source: https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=70360
At a glance:
- Pope Leo XIV has confirmed Cardinal Reinhard Marx as coordinator of the Council for the Economy
- Several existing members were re-appointed and eight new members were added
- The Council oversees the Holy See’s administrative and financial structures, budget and consolidated accounts
Vatican editorial urges stronger protection of life
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-08/massimiliano-menichetti-editorial-protecting-life.html
At a glance:
- A Vatican News editorial contrasted efforts to save lives after Colombia’s earthquake with recent changes to abortion law
- It argued that genuine choice requires practical, psychological, economic and spiritual support for women
- The editorial called for societies to place care for human life at the centre of public policy
Worldwide
Amy-Jill Levine becomes first Jewish president of Catholic Biblical Association
Source: https://www.catholicbiblical.org/news/amy-jill-levine-new-cba-president
At a glance:
- New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine has been elected president of the Catholic Biblical Association
- She is the first Jewish scholar to hold the role in the Association’s history
- Levine is widely recognised for her work in Jewish-Christian relations and biblical scholarship
Catholic Sisters in Philippines mark 30 years of supporting trafficking survivors
Source: https://www.fides.org/en/news/78040-ASIA_PHILIPPINES_The_life_of_the_Missionaries_of_Mary_Queen_of_Heaven_restoring_dignity_to_women_victims_of_exploitation
At a glance:
- The Missionaries of Mary Queen of Heaven have spent 30 years supporting women and girls affected by trafficking, prostitution and abuse
- Their ministry provides safe accommodation, rehabilitation, education and vocational training
- Church leaders have praised the work as an important response to exploitation and poverty in the Philippines
Fiji marks 184 years of Catholic faith
Source: https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/catholic-church-celebrates-184-years/
At a glance:
- Catholics in Fiji are marking 184 years since the faith was first introduced to the islands
- Celebrations are centred on Lakeba, where catechist Mosese Vaitaba helped establish the earliest Catholic presence
- Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said the anniversary is an opportunity to renew faith for future generations