Scottish Catholic Observer

St Stephen removes ‘false saccharine sweetness’ from Christmas, says Pope Francis.

“Ireland is very close to the Pope’s heart – I think a visit here is possible,” says Apostolic nuncio

“No obligation to prolong life,” says Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh.

Cardinal Nichols: ISIS ‘barbaric‘ and ‘blasphemous.’ (Video).

Westminster: Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Midnight Mass homily.

Shrewsbury bishop underlines chastity as hierarchy urges clergy to accompany laity with patience and tolerance.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has pneumonia.

China: Crosses torn down from 400 churches.

Pope makes satellite call to Iraqi refugees.

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