Saint Kentigern, also known as Saint Mungo, was a sixth century bishop and missionary who played a central role in the early Christian history of western Scotland. Born around the year 518, he was educated in the Christian faith and eventually became bishop of Strathclyde, with his ministry centred on the Clyde valley.

His episcopate was marked by political instability and opposition, leading at one point to exile in Wales. There he continued his missionary work before later returning to Strathclyde, where he resumed his pastoral care and strengthened the Church among the Brittonic peoples of the region.

Saint Kentigern is traditionally credited with establishing a Christian settlement on the site of present day Glasgow, which grew into an important centre of worship and learning. His preaching, discipline and commitment to the faith helped lay lasting foundations for Christianity in Scotland.

He died around 612 and was venerated as a saint shortly after his death. His memory remains closely linked to the city of Glasgow, whose Christian heritage is inseparable from his life and mission.

Pope Leo Warns of Global Drift Toward Conflict, Urges Renewal of Dialogue and Human Dignity

Vatican City, January 9, 2026 — In an extensive address to the Diplomatic Corps in Rome, Pope Leo XIV invoked the enduring wisdom of Saint Augustine’s City of God to frame today’s geopolitical and ethical challenges. Drawing parallels between the collapse of Rome in 410 AD and current global instability, the Pope warned that pride and self-interest—what Augustine termed amor sui—continue to fuel division and violence.

The Pontiff lamented the erosion of multilateral diplomacy, noting that “war is back in vogue” and that peace is increasingly pursued through weapons rather than dialogue. He called this trend a grave threat to the rule of law and international order. “Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself,” he said, urging nations to recommit to the principles that inspired the United Nations after World War II.

Pope Leo XIV highlighted humanitarian law as a non-negotiable safeguard, condemning attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure. He warned that violations of human dignity—whether through war crimes, persecution, or ideological coercion—signal a dangerous “short circuit” in the global human rights framework.

The address also touched on cultural and moral concerns, including the weakening of language and freedom of expression. The Pope criticised the rise of “Orwellian-style” discourse that excludes dissenting voices and reaffirmed the importance of conscientious objection and religious liberty, which he called “the first of all human rights.” He expressed alarm at growing restrictions on these freedoms and the persecution of Christians, which affects over 380 million believers worldwide.

He emphasised that exercising conscientious objection —such as refusing military service or declining to perform abortions or euthanasia—is not an act of rebellion but a commitment to personal integrity. This right, he said, balances collective interests with individual dignity and safeguards diversity against authoritarian tendencies.

Turning to social issues, the Pope defended the sanctity of life and the family, strongly rejecting practices such as abortion and surrogacy, and advocating for policies that support mothers, families, and vulnerable individuals. He also called for global efforts to combat drug addiction and abolish the death penalty.

Despite the sobering tone, Pope Leo XIV offered hope, citing recent peace initiatives in Bosnia and the South Caucasus as “seeds of peace that need to be cultivated.” He concluded with a call for humility and courage in peace-making: “A humble and peace-loving heart is what I wish for each of us and for all who dwell in our countries at the beginning of this New Year.”

Image: Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

The Baptism of the Lord invites us to contemplate Jesus as an adult, standing at the threshold of His public ministry. This mystery is deeply connected to Christmas and the Epiphany, and helps us understand more fully who Christ is.

At Christmas, we celebrate the Word made flesh, born of the Virgin Mary. From the very first moment of His conception, Jesus was already the Christ. His humanity was consecrated and anointed by His own divine power. He did not become the Christ later in life. He was always the Son of God made man.

At the Epiphany, Christ was revealed to the nations, symbolised by the Magi who came from the East to adore Him. Now, at His Baptism in the Jordan, Jesus is manifested definitively as the Messiah to Israel and as the Son of the Father to the whole world.

The Father’s voice from heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit reveal the mystery of the Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are made known in Christ. The Spirit resting upon Jesus seals His mission as the Anointed One sent for the salvation of the world.

Though He was always the Christ, Jesus truly shared our humanity, growing in wisdom, stature and grace. At His Baptism, His identity and mission are made visible, marking the beginning of His saving work among us.

Gospel of the day (John 3:22-30)

At that time: Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptising. John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptised for John had not yet been put in prison.

Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness — look, he is baptising, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.” The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.’

The first Extraordinary Consistory concluded this evening, but the next gathering is already scheduled. Pope Leo XIV announced that a further two-day Extraordinary Consistory will take place in June, close to the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, bringing Cardinals from across the world back to the Vatican.

The announcement was made by Pope Leo XIV himself during his concluding address at this afternoon’s third and final session, which was attended by 170 Cardinals.

The Holy Father explained that the June meeting will be in continuity with the requests that emerged from the general congregations prior to the Conclave. He also expressed his hope that Extraordinary Consistories might be held annually in the future.

Pope Leo XIV also reaffirmed that the Ecclesial Assembly announced last March will take place in October 2028.