Ecumenical and Jewish representatives gather ‘in prayer for peace’ on second day of Vatican Cardinal’s visit 

The visit of Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, continued on Sunday 18 October with the celebration of Mass in Westminster Cathedral, at which Cardinal Koovakad gave the homily, followed by an ecumenical gathering with Jewish representation at Westminster Cathedral Hall, titled ‘In Prayer for Peace’. 

In his homily, Cardinal Koovakad observed: “In a world that is increasingly becoming multi-religious, the promotion of cordial interreligious relations is more necessary than ever.”  

He reminded the congregation that genuine interreligious dialogue requires faith, love and hope from all sides. Read more.

Representatives from the major world religions gathered in Westminster Cathedral Hall in London on Saturday, 17 October, to meet with Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue to sign a pledge to work together for peace, underpinned by a shared recognition of the dignity of every human person. Read more.

Archbishop Richard Moth prays for Pope Leo after lung surgery

Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said:

“It is with gratitude and relief that we learned that Pope Leo’s surgery on Tuesday (13 October) at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital was successful.

“We now know that Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung carcinoma and, in this month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust his recovery to the maternal care of Our Lady Health of the Sick.” Read more.

Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Timothy Menezes as new Bishop of Brentwood

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has today, 10 October, appointed Bishop Timothy Menezes as the new Bishop of Brentwood.

Bishop Timothy, until now an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, succeeds Bishop Alan Williams, S.M., whose resignation has been accepted by the Holy Father having turned 75 years old on 15 March 2026. Read more.

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Cardinal George Koovakad visits the UK