Bishops’ Conference welcomes news that Pope Leo will declare St John Henry Newman a ‘Doctor’ of the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV will officially declare Saint John Henry Newman, the most recently canonised saint from England and Wales, the 38th Doctor of the Church.

In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, said that Pope Leo XIV has “confirmed the affirmative opinion of the Plenary Session of Cardinals and Bishops, Members of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, regarding the title of Doctor of the Universal Church, which will soon be conferred on Saint John Henry Newman.”

Archbishop Wilson welcomes Newman announcement

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV will declare St John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Catholic Church.

Responding to the news, Archbishop John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark, said:

“The announcement that St John Henry Newman will become a Doctor of the Catholic Church will fill the hearts of English Catholics with so much joy. It will also be welcomed by Catholics around the world for whom St John Henry is an inspiring theologian and apologist for the Catholic faith.”

St John Henry Newman – Doctor of the Church

In this section you will find a series of useful articles explaining what a ‘Doctor of the Church’ is and why Saint John Henry Newman’s teaching and wisdom not only resonated with his contemporaries, but still illuminates, instructs and inspires us today.

Pope: Migrants are “witnesses of hope” in a devastated world

Pope Leo XIV highlights how migrants and refugees in a special way can become witnesses of hope and tenacity amidst adversity and calls for a future of peace and respect for human dignity, in his Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, released on Friday, 25 July.

Local Church leaders condemn violent attack on West Bank Christian town of Taybeh

The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have spoken out to condemn a ‘grievous incident’ of settler violence in the West Bank town of Taybeh. The violence occurred just two weeks after a similar attack on the town and its people.

Report on the Ecumenical and Interreligious Pilgrimage in Wales

Following the blessings and deep sense of community experienced during last year’s Ecumenical and Interreligious Pilgrimage, this summer welcomed another opportunity for people of different Christian traditions to walk together in faith and fellowship.

This year’s pilgrimage took place on Thursday, 3 July 2025, hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, the Church in Wales Diocese of Llandaff, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

The priesthood is about falling in love with the Lord Jesus

Archbishop John Wilson celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the 30th anniversary of his Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood.

During the Mass of thanksgiving, Archbishop John Wilson said a “priestly vocation is a particular way of being loved by Jesus; and it is a particular way of loving Jesus in return”.

Faith Minister visits Caritas Salford

Through its policy and advocacy work, Caritas Salford calls for meaningful change to tackle poverty and inequality, helping people transform their lives with dignity. A key part of this work involves engaging with decision-makers to share insights from the charity’s services and the lived experiences of those it supports.

As part of these efforts, Caritas Salford was pleased to welcome Lord Khan of Burnley, Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, who visited to find out more about the charity and its work supporting people from Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’: Sustaining the Impact

Wednesday 03 September

This online event marks the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on care for our common home.

Published in 2015, Laudato Si’ helped shape international conversations on the environment, including influencing the moral framework of the Paris Agreement (COP21). In it, Pope Francis called for an “integral ecology” – one that recognises the deep connection between environmental degradation, social justice, our relationship with God and the rest of humanity.

The National Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope

Saturday 13 September

The Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13 September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration. The Pilgrimage will culminate with Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at 11.15 am on 14 September 2025 at St Barnabas’ Cathedral. The Pilgrimage will embody the values of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

Jubilee of Social Justice

20 September 2025

Join Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) as they host the Jubilee of Social Justice in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral for all those involved in Catholic social action within England and Wales.

Our Lady of Fatima – Relics Visit England and Wales

May 2025 - October 2026

The World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Team are organising the visitation of the two National Pilgrim Statues and the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco to all Cathedrals and Catholic shrines in England and Wales between May 2025 and October 2026.

Value, Neurodiversity and Education With Edith Stein

27 - 28 October 2025

This pilgrimage includes accommodation, a unique, international and interactive conference at the Pontifical Teresianum University and also a day of practical workshops. Join us to explore how we might celebrate the value of the human experience of disability, within the World of Education. Enjoy the many events planned by the Dicastery for Culture and Education, as well as the catechesis of Pope Leo, on the language of mind, heart, and body in Education.

Diocese of Arundel and Brighton – Head of Finance

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll oversee the support of cloud-based reporting for 80 parish sites and the delivery of timely, accurate management accounts for central operations based at our Crawley site. You will have a key role in providing high-quality financial reporting to our Trustees and Diocesan Finance Committee (DFC). You’ll also lead the team in producing statutory audited accounts, acting as the principal contact for external auditors.

Photo Gallery: Mass Of Thanksgiving for 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Archbishop John Wilson

On Friday 28 July, Archbishop John Wilson celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at St George’s Cathedral, marking 30 years of priesthood, a special milestone.