Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope at general audience (above) on Christmas: A Christian that shows off is a pagan. (Video).

In Christmas message, Latin Patriach in Holy Land calls for immediate ceasefire in Syria and says the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is blocking regional stability.

Christian leaders call for peace in South Sudan.

Vatican bank closing laymen’s accounts, to focus on service for religious works.

Catholic and Jewish charities build wall of flowers together in London.

Lancaster Diocese announces closure of historic library.

Bishops of Mexico to celebrate Christmas Mass in prison.

COMMENT

Why the Pope is shaking up bishops?

Pope Francis brings religion to the newsstand.

SPORTS

Pope meets Argentine football champions San Lorenzo and is presented with their trophy.  (Video here).

A new book helps to explode the myth of sectarianism in Scottish football.

—Cross Wires is The Scottish Catholic Observer blog. Follow breaking news from the SCO through the day on Twitter at SCO_NEWS.