Monday 26th 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
Pope Leo appoints Edinburgh University academic to Vatican commission
Link: The Herald — Pope Leo appoints Edinburgh University academic to Vatican commission
At a glance:
- Dr Sara Parvis has joined the International Theological Commission.
- The Edinburgh academic will serve from 2026–2031.
- She will help advise the Vatican on theology and doctrine.
- The appointment was announced this week and independently confirmed by Vatican News. Vatican News
UK
Pope Leo accepts an honorary title at St George’s Chapel, Windsor
Link: The Independent — Buckingham Palace says Pope accepts honorary title
At a glance:
- Pope Leo became Papal Confrater of St George’s.
- King Charles approved the honorary appointment.
- It marks growing Anglican-Catholic friendship.
Commons backs removal of historic restrictions on Catholic Prime Ministers
Link: UK Parliament — Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill
At a glance:
- The Commons approved the Bill on 21 October.
- It removes restrictions affecting Catholic and Jewish Prime Ministers.
- The Bill moved to the Lords on 22 October.
POPE / VATICAN
Pope Leo will not need further cancer treatment
Link: Associated Press — Vatican says Pope Leo will not need further treatment
At a glance:
- Tests confirmed the cancer was localised.
- No further treatment is considered necessary.
- Leo is gradually resuming his duties.
Pope Leo calls for end to violence in Yemen
Link: Reuters — Pope Leo calls for Yemen violence to end
At a glance:
- Leo appealed for an end to hostilities.
- He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Taiz.
- He also prayed after a Jordan church attack.
WORLDWIDE
Registration opens for World Youth Day Seoul 2027
Link: Yonhap News Agency — Pope invites youth to Seoul for pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope
At a glance:
- International registration opened on 22 October.
- Pope Leo invited young people worldwide.
- Seoul hosts World Youth Day in August 2027.
Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion liberalisation
Link: The Guardian — Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion legislation
At a glance:
- Prince Alois vetoed the proposed legislation.
- Parliament had backed a 12-week model.
- He cited protection of unborn life.
Holy See and Honduras sign major bilateral treaty
Link: Infobae — Holy See and Honduras sign treaty on relations and cooperation
At a glance:
- The treaty contains 25 articles.
- It protects religious freedom and Church autonomy.
- Ratification is required before it enters force.