Nigeria Summit launches new network to combat trafficking in Africa

The Inaugural Summit of the Pathways to Freedom Africa Network (PFAN) was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 19–20 May 2026 under the theme “Inclusive Strategies for Ending Human Trafficking: Reaching the Most Marginalised.”

The summit brought together more than 100 participants from across Africa and beyond, including Catholic bishops, government officials, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, survivor advocates, persons with disabilities, and development partners.

Ninety years of the Red Box: Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries’ unique partnership

In England and Wales, this year marks 90 years of a special partnership between Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries, united through the Red Box. It is a powerful reminder that God is at work through hundreds of thousands of missionaries living within communities from Malawi to Myanmar, and Pakistan to Peru.

As many know, the Red Box has been a familiar presence in Catholic homes across England and Wales. More than a collection box, it is a symbol of faith, hope and love – uniting the vision of Blessed Pauline Jaricot and the missionary initiative of Mill Hill Missionary, Fr Thomas Jackson.

Statement on the re-introduction of the Terminally III Adults (End of Life) Bill

Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has expressed his deep disappointment that the Terminally III Adults (End of Life) Bill will return to parliament in autumn:

“I am deeply disappointed that the previously unsuccessful Terminally III Adults (End of Life) Bill is being reintroduced in the House of Commons. It is likely to be debated in September.”

Bishop Nowakowski decries the ongoing destruction in Ukraine and the attack on Kyiv’s Dormition Cathedral

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski OBE, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of the Holy Family of London has released a statement decrying the attack by Russian forces on the Dormition Sobor (Cathedral) in Kyiv.

“The continued, unrelenting bombardment of Ukraine’s cities, civilian infrastructure, and sacred spaces by Russian forces serves as a harrowing reminder of the cruelty driving this war of aggression. The devastating overnight strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which set the historic 11th-century Dormition Cathedral ablaze, represents a direct assault on the spiritual soul and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, not only for the Orthodox World but for Ukrainians throughout the world.”

Pope Leo XIV offers prayers for parents who have lost a child in ‘Day for Life’ message

The Secretary of State for the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has sent Archbishop John Sherrington a message from Pope Leo XIV to express the Holy Father’s prayerful good wishes to all celebrating Day for Life on Sunday 21 June 2026.

The Holy Father, His Eminence writes, “was pleased to learn of the theme chosen for this year, focused on the wonder of the full humanity of the child in the womb, as well as of your efforts to support mothers and fathers who have suffered the loss of an infant.”

Archbishop Sherrington: Naming the truth and loss of a child is a way of being compassionate

In a recent interview, Archbishop John Sherrington, lead bishop for life issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, explained the theme for Day for Life 2026, ‘The Wonder of the Child in the Womb’, was chosen to “highlight the joy and the gift of the child, especially as articulated and sung in the Psalms of the Old Testament, the wonder of the child that God has created that is in the womb.”

In their message for this year’s Day for Life, the bishops “acknowledge the particular grief of mothers and fathers who have lost a child before birth or in infancy.”

‘Divine Designs’ art competition calls for cover designs for the Bible’s 73 books

An ecumenical partnership between the Bishops’ Conference ‘God who Speaks’ project, St John’s Waterloo, and Art + Christianity, has made an open call for artists, graphic designers and illustrators from across the UK to design a cover for any of the 73 books of the Bible.

Titled Divine Designs: Between the Covers this art competition and exhibition celebrates creativity and innovation, and seeks to promote a greater visual awareness and understanding of the Bible today.

Pope Leo and AI | Episode 32

The big news since the last episode of At the Foot of the Cross is the publication of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica humanitas.

Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem joins us in the studio as we discuss the encyclical, reflect on Pentecost, talk about Day for Life that we celebrate on Sunday 21 June – Fathers’ Day no less – and sets aside a few minutes to discuss the 900th anniversary of the Norbertines, Abbot Hugh’s order, being formerly approved by Pope Honorius II in 1126.

Day for Life

21 June 2026

The Church teaches that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death. In England and Wales, Day for Life is celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year.

This year it falls on Sunday, 21 June.

The theme is 'The Wonder of the Child in the Womb'. In our online section, you will find information, prayers and downloads. Day for Life is marked on the same day by the three Bishops' Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Adoremus 2026

10 October 2026

There are two main strands to the Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress in 2026.

In London, there will be a representative gathering of the Church with bishops, priests, and people. No less important is how Adoremus is marked in our parishes throughout England and Wales. Local Masses, processions of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hours will unite these local events with the national gathering. Footage from the London event will be made available to enable remote participation.

Come and study with the Maryvale Institute

The Maryvale Institute offers a full range of programmes for every ability, from easy short courses to a five-year PhD programme. Want to deepen your faith? Thinking about getting more involved with your parish, Catholic organisation or Diocese? Would you like to teach in Catholic institutions? One of these courses may be for you.

Welcome the stranger: defend the right to asylum

Today, people seeking asylum in the UK are facing laws and policies that deny their dignity. Families are kept apart. People are forced into poverty and isolation. Many live in fear, unable to rebuild their lives even after being recognised as refugees.

As Christians, we cannot accept a system that treats people as problems to be managed rather than neighbours to be welcomed. Together, we can build a society that welcomes, protects, and stands alongside people seeking safety.