Tuesday 6th October 2026. 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
Aberdeen Catholic secondary school campaign receives wider coverage
Link: Independent Catholic News — Aberdeen parents question Council’s refusal
At a glance:
- Church leaders are backing parents seeking a Catholic secondary school in Aberdeen.
- The city currently has three Catholic primary schools but no Catholic secondary.
- An earlier council consultation recorded 82% support for the proposal.
Also seen on: Crux — Church leaders in Scotland want Aberdeen to provide a Catholic high school
UK
Vatican interreligious dialogue chief begins first UK visit
Link: Independent Catholic News — Head of Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue to visit UK
At a glance:
- Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad is making his first UK visit as Dicastery prefect.
- His programme includes meetings with Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders.
- The visit marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate.
Bishops unite with families ahead of Baby Loss Awareness Week
Link: Catholic Bishops’ Conference — Bishops unite with grieving families
At a glance:
- Archbishop John Sherrington and Bishop Bosco MacDonald issued a joint statement.
- Baby Loss Awareness Week runs from 9–15 October.
- The bishops offered prayers for parents and families grieving the death of a baby.
Cardinal Nichols reflects on Eucharistic adoration ahead of Adoremus
Link: Catholic Bishops’ Conference — Heart to heart with Jesus who loves you
At a glance:
- Cardinal Vincent Nichols released a new reflection ahead of Adoremus 2026.
- He describes adoration as a personal encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
- The National Eucharistic Congress takes place in London on 10 October.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo prays Rosary for peace with more than 700 children
Link: EWTN News — Pope prays Rosary with children for peace
At a glance:
- More than 700 children joined Leo in the Vatican Gardens on 1 October.
- The gathering launched the One Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative.
- Leo said children around the world were joining in prayer for peace.
Pope Leo distinguishes human art from AI-generated work
Link: EWTN News — Pope Leo on AI art: there is an ontological difference
At a glance:
- Leo met artists and curators at the Vatican on 2 October.
- He said human creativity is fundamentally different from AI-generated material.
- He told artists that “the Church needs you.”
Pope establishes new foundation for missionary colleges
Link: Vatican News — New Donum Missionis Foundation established
At a glance:
- Pope Leo established the new Donum Missionis Foundation.
- It will oversee properties belonging to the Dicastery for Evangelization.
- The properties support colleges preparing clergy from mission territories.
Cardinal Gambetti appointed Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto
Link: Vatican News — Pope appoints Cardinal Gambetti as Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto
At a glance:
- Pope Leo appointed Cardinal Mauro Gambetti on 3 October.
- The Franciscan cardinal has led St Peter’s Basilica since 2021.
- He will now become Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto in Italy.
WORLDWIDE
Italy marks 800th anniversary of St Francis with restored national holiday
Link: Independent Catholic News — Italy celebrates 800th Feast of St Francis of Assisi
At a glance:
- Italy is marking 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi.
- His 4 October feast is being observed as a national public holiday.
- Thousands of pilgrims are gathering in Assisi for the anniversary.
Ethiopia’s Catholic bishops issue appeal for peace
Link: Vatican News — Ethiopian bishops appeal for peace and reconciliation
At a glance:
- Ethiopia’s bishops issued a pastoral appeal amid renewed fighting.
- They called for dialogue, reconciliation and protection of civilians.
- Their statement followed Pope Leo’s appeal for peace in the Tigray region.
World Youth Day Seoul opens international volunteer recruitment
Link: Catholic Connect — WYD 2027 opens international volunteer recruitment
At a glance:
- Organisers opened international volunteer recruitment on 4 October.
- Volunteers will support pilgrims attending World Youth Day Seoul 2027.
- The gathering will bring young Catholics from around the world to South Korea.