Hexham and Newcastle safeguarding review; conversion therapy; Franco and the Benedictines

Roman Catholics in the Northeast are welcoming a new Bishop this weekend and digesting a damning report about the previous incumbent. An independent review by the CSSA says that Robert Byrne ignored safeguarding advice which put people at risk. We’ll be hearing from Chair of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency Nazir Afzal.

There’s an intense debate in Switzerland over a potential nationwide ban on so-called conversion therapy. The controversial practice is used around the world to try to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Our reporter Claire Jones has been to Switzerland to meet those working to change the law, and those who are against a legislative ban.

In the ‘Valley of the Fallen’ near Madrid, forensic scientists have started exhuming bodies to try to identify some of those who died in the Spanish Civil War. Meanwhile the future of the vast monument there – and of the monks who look after it – has become a key issue in the current Spanish general election.

We’re looking at the enduring power of a film about Jesus that was made almost 60 years ago but is still a big hit with our listeners. Pasolini’s Gospel according to Matthew is a low budget, black and white, Italian language film. We’ll hear from expert Barth David Schwartz about why it’s stood the test of time.

Presenter - Ed Stourton Producer - Amanda Hancox