Monday 28h September. 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 publish options for future diocesan structures
Link: Catholic Herald — Scottish bishops consider options for merging dioceses
At a glance:
- Scotland’s bishops published possible models for future diocesan structures.
- Options include mergers or greater cooperation between existing dioceses.
- Catholics across all eight dioceses will now be consulted.
Aberdeen parents call for Catholic secondary school
Link: Independent Catholic News — Aberdeen parents question Council’s refusal to consider Catholic secondary school
At a glance:
- Parents are campaigning for a Catholic secondary school in Aberdeen.
- 82% backed the proposal in the Council’s 2024 consultation.
- The campaign is backed by Scotland’s bishops and Catholic education leaders.
UK
Thousands prepare for Adoremus Eucharistic Congress in London
Link: Independent Catholic News — Christ on the streets of London: Adoremus 2026
At a glance:
- Thousands are expected at Adoremus in London on 10 October.
- A 3.3-mile Eucharistic procession will link Southwark and Westminster cathedrals.
- The programme includes Mass, Benediction and an all-night vigil.
Catholic schools unite to support Holy Land Christians
Link: Catholic Herald — Wimbledon schools join concert for Holy Land Christians
At a glance:
- Two Catholic schools in Wimbledon are holding a joint concert.
- The event will support Christians in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and surrounding communities.
- Proceeds will support Aid to the Church in Need’s work in the Holy Land.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo prays at the Grotto of Lourdes
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo prays for the sick and suffering in Lourdes
At a glance:
- Pope Leo prayed at the Grotto of Massabielle on 26 September.
- He prayed for France, families, vocations, the sick and those in poverty.
- He presented the Lourdes sanctuary with a traditional papal golden rose.
Around 800,000 attend Pope Leo’s Paris Mass
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo draws 800,000 to Mass in Paris
At a glance:
- Around 800,000 people gathered for Mass in Paris on 26 September.
- Crowds stretched along the Champs-Élysées towards Place de la Concorde.
- It formed a major part of Leo’s first papal visit to France.
Pope Leo calls for AI that promotes peace rather than division
Link: Reuters — Pope Leo calls for AI systems that don’t foster divisions
At a glance:
- Leo addressed the AI4Peace conference on 21 September.
- He called for AI systems guided by wisdom, charity and human dignity.
- He warned against technology worsening misinformation and conflict.
Pope Leo questions what constitutes genuine human progress
Link: OSV News — Pope Leo explores technology and human progress
At a glance:
- Leo devoted his 23 September General Audience to human progress.
- He questioned whether technological advancement alone makes humanity better.
- He said progress must ultimately serve the human person.
Vatican publishes itinerary for Pope Leo’s South America visit
Link: Associated Press — Pope Leo to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru
At a glance:
- Leo will visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from 6–17 November.
- The journey includes his first papal return to Peru.
- He will revisit communities where he previously served as a missionary and bishop.
WORLDWIDE
Fulton Sheen beatified before more than 50,000 people
Link: Independent Catholic News — Cardinal Tagle at Blessed Fulton Sheen’s Beatification Mass
At a glance:
- Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was beatified in St Louis on 24 September.
- More than 50,000 people attended the Mass.
- Pope Leo described Sheen as a tireless evangelist through modern communications.
Holy Land Catholic youth programmes strengthen faith and leadership
Link: Independent Catholic News — Christian youth look back on a memorable summer
At a glance:
- Catholic youth movements reported programmes across Palestine, Galilee, Jordan and Cyprus.
- Activities combined prayer, formation, service and recreation.
- Young participants received training in faith, leadership and responsibility.