Monday 31st 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
Scottish bishops call for human dignity to shape government programme
Link: Catholic Herald — Scottish bishops urge Government to protect human dignity
At a glance:
- Bishop John Keenan called for the common good to guide public policy.
- Priorities include poverty, families, healthcare and palliative care.
- The intervention comes ahead of Scotland’s 2026–27 Programme for Government.
- Also seen on: Independent Catholic News (ICN)
Bishop Frank Dougan warns against treating AI as human
Link: Catholic Herald — Scottish bishop warns against treating AI as a human relationship
At a glance:
- Bishop Frank said AI should remain a tool, not imitate human relationships.
- He warned that technology must remain at the service of humanity.
- He linked AI development to Pope Leo’s teaching on human dignity.
UK
Millions join Radio Maria UK’s Worldwide Rosary
Link: Independent Catholic News — Millions join Radio Maria UK’s Worldwide Rosary
At a glance:
- Radio Maria UK broadcast the Worldwide Rosary from London on 26 August.
- Millions of listeners around the world joined the prayer.
- Five Catholic composers premiered new music for the Glorious Mysteries.
New British ambassador presents credentials to Pope Leo
Link: Catholic Herald — New British ambassador presents credentials to Pope Leo
At a glance:
- Tammy Sandhu MBE presented her credentials to Pope Leo on 28 August.
- She succeeds Chris Trott as UK Ambassador to the Holy See.
- Priorities include peacebuilding, AI governance and modern slavery.
Pope / Vatican
Huge demand for Pope Leo’s Lourdes visit#
Link: ZENIT — Lourdes closes registration after massive response to papal visit
At a glance:
- Registration for Leo’s Lourdes visit has reached 150,000 pilgrims.
- The shrine has now closed registration after reaching capacity.
- Organisers say they have never experienced demand on this scale.
Pope Leo makes history in Marian procession
Link: EWTN Vatican — Pope Leo takes part in historic Lake Albano procession
At a glance:
- Leo joined the Feast of Our Lady of the Lake on 29 August.
- He became the first Pope to cross Lake Albano in the procession.
- The celebration forms part of 400 years of papal presence at Castel Gandolfo.
Worldwide
St John of the Cross anniversary draws renewed international interest
Link: OSV News — Spanish Church seeks new directions from a 16th-century mystic
At a glance:
- Spain is marking major anniversaries connected with St John of the Cross.
- Pilgrimages, exhibitions and events are attracting wider public interest.
- Church leaders say attendance has surpassed expectations.
US Catholic churches see a record number of conversions
Link: The Guardian — US Catholic churches see record number of conversions
At a glance:
- Several US dioceses are reporting sharp rises in adult conversions.
- Los Angeles recorded 8,598 initiations, up 54% in a year.
- Growth is particularly visible among young adults and university students.
Catholic vocations initiative reaches 100,000 online
Link: Catholic World Report — Vocations initiative launches priestly discernment programme
At a glance:
- A Catholic vocations initiative has reached over 100,000 people online.
- Shepherding Future Shepherds is expanding into priestly discernment.
- A new programme will directly support men considering the priesthood.
Tanzanian religious sisters turn to TV and social media for evangelisation
Link: Herald Malaysia — Religious women evangelise through television and social media
At a glance:
- Tanzanian sisters are expanding their evangelisation through digital media.
- Their television platform combines faith, education and youth programming.
- Social media is helping them reach young people beyond their local communities.