Andy Drozdziak
Cardinal Nichols has given his ‘wholehearted support’ to the news that the Universe Catholic Weekly will be available in a printed version from 19th May-and is urging Catholics to support the new initiative and subscribe.
Since its relaunch in September 2021, the Universe has been released in digital format only. Due to popular demand, a printed edition will soon also be available.
Responding to the news, Cardinal Nichols, the paper’s first subscriber in September 2021, said: “I congratulate the Universe on extending this means of communication and also helping to stimulate conversation, reflection and prayer. I hope that even more Catholics will now be able to support this new initiative, which has my wholehearted support.”
The new printed version of the Universe will be posted directly to print subscribers from Friday 19th May. Its content will be identical to the digital version.
The Cardinal spoke of his ‘delight’ at the recent announcement.
“It was with great delight that I learned that the paper will soon be available not just as a digital but also as a hard copy printed ‘paper’-thus meeting the needs of many readers and prospective readers who prefer to have the paper in this format,” he said.
Following last week’s announcement of the new format, many have already contacted the Universe to subscribe to the new format. Cardinal Nichols congratulated the paper, commenting that it has gone ‘from strength to strength’ over the past 18 months.
“It seems amazing to me that it is now over 18 months since I became the first subscriber to the new Universe Catholic Weekly digital newspaper,” he said.
“It was indeed a sad moment when the Universe had to close, but I have watched the new paper with great interest and have been thrilled to see it go from strength to strength.”
The Cardinal underlined the ‘key’ role of the Universe in reporting what is happening in the Church and how it relates to world events.
“I said at the launch of the Universe that we Catholics need to be able to find out what is happening in the world on a regular basis-especially in that key relationship between our faith and the world,” he said.
“This is important not only for our own formation in faith, but also for our ability to spread the news of the great gift that we have received.”
Universe Editor Michael Winterbottom explained that the new format is being established to ‘fulfil the wishes’ of Universe readers.
“It is an exciting time for all of us at the Universe as we move towards the launch of a physical edition of the ‘paper’ to accompany the digital one,” he said.
“The digital has been very well received and it’s now a pleasure to be able to fulfil the wishes of all the people who have told us that they would prefer to have a hard copy of the paper. Thus, we are managing to supply what all of our readers want to see, with both the digital and hard copy, which must surely be what every newspaper strives to do.”
Those who wish to subscribe to this new format, or for further information, are advised to call Michelle Jones on 07436 617650, or email her at michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk