Meeting in London, today, 4 March 2022, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of England and Wales, Ireland, and Scotland said: In the face of the shocking loss of life, bloodshed, displacement of people and destruction of property in Ukraine, we make these heartfelt appeals. We ask our Catholic communities to sustain
Given at the General Audience on Wednesday 22 February 2022 My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is
General Information Following the statement by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 9 December, there has been a Government directive that further restrictions to mitigate against viral transmission, especially in the light of the new Omicron variant, will be imposed. Summarising the Government directives: From Friday 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in
During the pandemic, public worship was suspended for a time and there have been restrictions on parish life. As a result, people have been exploring other ways to practice their faith including Spiritual Communion via live streaming. As people begin returning to more regular patterns of parish life, the bishops of England and Wales have
Sunday 14 November 2021 is the fifth World Day of the Poor. It will be celebrated globally in the Catholic Church and has the theme: “The poor you will always have with you” (Mark 14:7). In his message, Pope Francis has challenged the faithful to seek out and help the poor wherever they are: “We
Pope Francis has invited the whole Catholic Church to question itself on what’s called “synodality”. It’s an important theme in the life and mission of the Church – especially over the next two years. But what exactly is synodality and what does it mean for Catholics in England and Wales? Father Chris Thomas, General Secretary
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has issued a pastoral letter which will be read in churches across the diocese this weekend. It focuses on Pope Francis’ call for us to become a “synodal Church” which will undergo a process that will begin in local churches (i.e., parishes and dioceses) and concluding with a synod of bishops from
Sunday – it is our Day The following is a statement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales: On 19 July, the current legislative powers which assist the mitigations against the Covid-19 virus transmission will be rescinded by HM Government. Nevertheless, there will be an encouragement to personal and corporate responsibility in this
25 July 2021 is the inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, is echoing the Pope’s words to young people encouraging them to talk to their grandparents if they want to be a sign of hope for the world. Promoting the important
There are moves afoot to make assisted suicide available in Jersey. At the same time, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Baroness Meacher is making its way through the House of Lords, with spirited support from some of the national press and media. Bishop John Sherrington, the lead Bishop for Life Issues, has issued a
