30/11/2025

The Pope has been marking a historic Christian anniversary during his visit to Turkey - and on Sunday is heading to Lebanon, just days after Israeli airstrikes on its capital, Beirut. A key moment of the trip has been in the Turkish town of Iznik, the site of the ancient city of Nicaea. Pope Leo and leaders of other Christian traditions gathered to mark the anniversary of an ancient council that took place there 1,700 years ago. In 325 AD, among other key decisions, more than 200 bishops at the council affirmed the belief that Jesus was the son of God, eventually leading to what is known as the Nicene Creed. We hear the latest from his trip to the region.

Islamophobic incidents at football grounds have reached record highs in recent years, according to the anti-racism charity Kick it Out. Now more Premier League clubs are introducing dedicated prayer rooms, with some hosting Iftar celebrations on the pitch. In September, Djed Spence also became the first Muslim player to represent the England men’s national team. In the latest sign of progress, this weekend the Chelsea Muslim Supporters faced the Manchester United Muslim Supporters in the first match of its kind.

Following on from the Songs of Praise list of people's favourite school hymns, we hear about what the hymn writing process from Northern Irish composer, Keith Getty, who received a Grammy nomination for the contemporary hymn 'In Christ Alone'. And you share yours with us too.

PRESENTER: WILLIAM CRAWLEY PRODUCERS: KATY BOOTH & JAMES LEESLEY STUDIO MANAGERS: CARWYN GRIFFITH, SAM BIDDLE & LYNSEY AKEHURST EDITOR: CHLOE WALKER