Scottish Catholic Observer

Mgr Georg Ganswein, personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, has received the prestigious Capri San Michele prize for his book about the Pope’s first five years. His book, Benedict XVI: Urbi Et Orbi, was published to commemorate the Pope’s fifth anniversary of his election. The book contains pictures from the Pope’s... read more

POPE Benedict XVI took a well earned rest day at the Papal Summer Residence at Castelgandolfo after completing a four day visit to the UK, a visit that his spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, hailed as ‘an extraordinary success.’ Speaking in Birmingham on Sunday, just before the Holy Father left for Rome... read more

The Pope has praised the character of the Scots and spoken of Christianity's integral role in Britain's history. The Holy Father was speaking in Edinburgh after the Queen had  praised the work of the Church in her welcome. "As I begin my visit to the United Kingdom, in Scotland's historic capital city, I greet in... read more

Pilgrims in Edinburgh and Glasgow have greeted the arrival of Pope Benedict in Scotland with great celebration today. The high point was the papal Mass at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. An estimated crowd of seventy thousand Catholics particpated in an extraordinary mass that was both joyful and reverent. Utter silence greeted Pope's every word as he celebrated... read more

Pope Benedict XVI held a mid-flight press conference on the way to Scotland with journalists accompanying him on his four-day visit to the United Kingdom. This has become a traditional at the start of Apostolic Journeys and during the interview he refered to the clerical abuse issue as a 'sickness'. "Our... read more

PAPAL visit organisers in Scotland are asking for ‘patience’ and ‘cooperation’ from the tens of thousands of pilgrims heading to Glasgow next Thursday to join Pope Benedict XVI in the joyful celebration of Mass at Bellahouston Park. Full details of the Mass, including travel arrangements, will reach all parishes and pilgrim... read more

A PRAYER kneeler and chairs to be used by Pope Benedict XVI at Bellahouston Park next week, have been presented to Bishop John Cunningham of Galloway Diocese by pupils from Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr. The four chairs and kneeler were designed and created by Queen Margaret pupils and were blessed... read more

APOSTOLIC NUNCIO APPOINTED TO IRAQ AND JORDAN Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Mgr Giorgio Lingua as the Holy See’s representative to Iraq and Jordan. The new Apostolic Nuncio, who has a licence in Canon Law, will begin the position at a time in which the Iraqi Church struggles to find peace. Mgr Lingua joined the Vatican’s diplomatic corps... read more

FEARS are growing that strike action at the BBC could prevent Scottish Catholics from watching the Papal visit live on television. The National Union of Journalists, Bectu, Unite, Equity and the Musicians Union are balloting members on strike action over the corporation’s plans to cut £50 million from staff’s pension funds. The... read more