Resolutions from the Bishops’ Spring Plenary Assembly 2025

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales met for their Spring Plenary Assembly at Buckfast Abbey in Devon from 5-8 May, as the Cardinal-electors gathered in Rome for the conclave that saw Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV. Being an elector at the Conclave, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales was not able to be attend the Bishops’ Plenary meeting.

National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse 2025

The Day of Prayer for the Victims and Survivors of Abuse is an important initiative that was proposed by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. It is celebrated on Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter, 20 May 2025.

This year’s focus is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”. Many of us are saddened by reducing numbers in our churches. This is happening for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here. They may be the families or friends of survivors. They may be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair”.

CSAN CEO writes open letter to MPs urging them to oppose the Assisted Dying Bill

Raymond Friel, CEO of the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), has written an open letter to Members of Parliament to urge them to vote against a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to legalise assisted suicide.

His organisation’s network includes Catholic charities, care homes, hospices, and community groups that accompany people facing the end of life.

Oppose Assisted Suicide

Legislation is passing through parliament seeking to legalise assisted suicide. The Bill's Third Reading takes place Friday 16 May. It is vitally important you contact your MP to oppose it.

Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues here at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, explains our objection to the proposed legislation passing through parliament seeking to legalise assisted suicide. Bishop Sherrington insists all is not lost and that there’s still time to contact your MP to ask them to stop assisted suicide becoming law

Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB – Requiescat in pace

Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB, retired Bishop of Menevia and a former Abbot of Belmont, died peacefully on the evening of Friday, 9 May 2025. He was 91 years old.

Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, paid tribute to Bishop Jabalé:

“He gave unstinting service to the Church over many years and I know many will mourn his passing. I offer our sympathy and sincere gratitude to the Abbot and community at Belmont for their kindness and fraternal care of Bishop Mark in these latter years.”

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms blends Marian and Augustinian elements

The Holy See Press Office released the official explanation of Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms on Wednesday. In the explanation, Fr. Antonio Pompili, Vice President of the Italian Heraldic-Genealogical Institute, highlights its Marian and Augustinian elements.

The Pope’s coat of arms includes the traditional papal symbols of the crossed keys of St. Peter and episcopal mitre. The upper left-hand corner of the shield bears a silver fleur-de-lis set against a light blue background. On the bottom right, a red heart topped by a flame and pierced by an arrow sit atop a red book framed by an ivory background.

Pope Leo XIV: News media should foster peace and disarm words

Only four days have passed since his election to the papacy, and Pope Leo XIV made it a point to hold an audience with the men and women who were in Rome to report on the death of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the first days of his own ministry.

He met on Monday with media professionals in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, and thanked reporters in Italian for their tireless work over these intense few weeks

Cardinal Nichols: Pope Leo XIV is a man with the right “combination of talents” to lead the Catholic Church

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, one of 133 Cardinal-electors who took part in a Conclave that culminated in the proclamation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, has spoken about the man who has succeeded Pope Francis as the 267th Supreme Pontiff.

Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV to be held on May 18

The Holy See Press Office announced the upcoming schedule for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. His inaugural Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18 at 10am Rome time (9am UK time).

Gift of a Shepherd – Pope Leo XIV

Prayers from the Tradition of the Church for the Election of Pope Leo XIV.

Images: Pope Leo XIV

Images from the Election of Pope Leo XIV, Thursday 8 May 2025.

AI, Faith and Ethics at a Crossroads: Discerning the Way Forward

Sunday 18 May - 15:00

A Panel Discussion Exploring the Moral and Spiritual Challenges of the AI Era followed by an opportunity for Q&A. All welcome to come to this unique event to hear from experts discussing Faith and Ethics in a time of technological transformation.

We Believe – A Festival of Catholic Life

25 - 28 July 2025

WeBelieve is a Festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope. This July, we are gathering the whole Church to celebrate our faith in Jesus. This festival is brand new and you are invited to build it with us.