The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the challenge of remaining truly human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

He warns against a future where technology attempts to replace what lies at the very heart of humanity: love, compassion, sacrifice and authentic human relationships.

The Holy Father reminds us that a society rooted in love, mercy and human dignity can never simply be engineered or automated.

As AI continues to develop at extraordinary speed, the Church calls us to ensure that technology always serves the human person and the common good.

Explore Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and reflect on his vision for faith, humanity and the future of technology:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

In his monthly reflection, Missio Scotland's National Director, Fr Vincent Lockhart, speaks to us from the Assembly of National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome about the importance of the global family that we have in the Church. He even gets some of that global family to wish Scotland well at the upcoming World Cup!

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Gospel
Mark 12:13-17
‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

At that time: They sent to Jesus some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’ And they brought one. And he said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marvelled at him.

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Justin | 01 June 2026
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Saint Justin Martyr never abandoned his search for truth, even after converting to Christianity following years of studying pagan philosophy.

As a young man, he was especially drawn to the teachings of Plato. Yet he came to realise that the Christian faith answered the deepest questions about life and existence more fully than the philosophers ever could.

After his conversion, Justin continued to wear the philosopher’s cloak and became one of the first great Christian philosophers. He sought to unite the truths found in Greek philosophy with the fullness of Christian revelation. He believed philosophy served as a guide leading people towards Christ.

Saint Justin Martyr is remembered as one of the great Christian apologists, defending the faith in writing against the misunderstandings and accusations of the pagan world. Two of his famous apologies survive today, addressed to the Roman Emperor and the Roman Senate.

Because of his unwavering faith and witness to Christ, Justin was eventually martyred and beheaded in Rome around the year 165.