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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American and the first Augustinian to hold the papacy and his election has come as a surprise. Regarded as a moderate and ally of Pope Francis, his opening words were about peace and a missionary church that builds bridges and is open to dialogue. The full text of his address is here. Watch it again here
In our Religion Media Centre briefing, journalists and commentators gave their views on the new Pope. View the briefing or listen to the podcast through links here
Comment as the conclave met this week
- Explainer: The Papal Conclave >>
- Cardinal Nichols said he wouldn’t check the odds on next Pope >>
- Taizé prayer for the papal conclave >>
- Pic of Donald Trump dressed as the Pope causes outrage >>. Asked about it on Friday after the new Pope had been elected, he brushed it aside
- Clues emerged about Cardinals’ key concerns from meetings before the conclave began >>
- Profile of the English cardinals voting in the Conclave >>
- Suggestion and praise for the ‘down to earth pragmatism’ of English cardinals >>
- Young Catholics urged next Pope to give them a voice >>
- History made as first black smoke signal came two hours late after first conclave vote >>
80th anniversary VE day marked in churches and cathedrals including the national service at Westminster Abbey, with special liturgy and prayers for peace. Interfaith commemorative events were also held including at Englan’s oldest mosque in Woking. Angela Youngman reported on Coventry Cathedral, a centre for reconciliation since the city was devastated by bombs in WWII, and continues to work for peace and justice through worship and art >>
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer called for unity amid the conflict between India and Pakistan, with fears that tension could spill over into the UK. He told the Commons that all community and faith leaders should spread the message that now is a time for coming together across religious and ethnic differences, saying: ‘We now need to see calm heads’ >>
A “Visitation” report into Bangor Cathedral found a “culture in which sexual boundaries seemed blurred”, inappropriate language, excessive consumption of alcohol, weak financial controls and “hurtful gossip”. A safeguarding audit was carried out in parallel. The Archbishop of Wales, Andy John said the recommendations would be implemented in full >>
Interviews with Cathy Newman, Channel 4 news; Lord Russell Rook, adviser to the Faith Minister; and Sir Mark Thompson CEO of CNN and former BBC Director General.
Panels on British Muslims; Community Relations and the Media; British Media and British Jews; and Millenials, Faith and the Digital Space.
Other news ..
| Assisted Dying bill impact assessment “makes for chilling reading” >> Widespread global belief in life after death and spirits in nature >> Gen Z Christianity an ‘anti-woke rebellion’ >> Catholic Union sets up committee on social policy >> More than 11,000 people have their say on the next Archbishop of Canterbury >> Bishop says CofE needs new process for same sex marriage debate >> Muslim Aid marks 40th anniversary >> Muslim Council of Britain urges restraint between India and Pakistan >> The Times reports on division within Board of Deputies >> Support for British Jewish history month >>. New Hindu temple for Chelmsford >> Popemobile becomes medical facility for children in Gaza >> United Methodist bishops clarify rules on same sex marriage >> India seeks repatriation of gems buried with remains of the Buddha >> |
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