The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Scotland stands at a moment of profound moral consequence.

In the coming weeks, MSPs will cast their final vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill. As Catholic Bishops of Scotland, we have issued a pastoral letter urging our nation to choose compassion that walks with those who suffer and affirms the dignity of every human life.

True compassion means ensuring every person receives proper medical care, emotional support and spiritual accompaniment. It means recognising that every life, regardless of illness, disability, age or circumstance, has inherent and unrepeatable value.

We encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement at this significant time.

Please consider contacting your MSP and asking them to oppose this legislation. You can do so quickly and easily through carenotkilling.scot

Let us pray for those approaching the end of life, for their families and carers, and for all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide Scotland to choose the path of life, dignity and compassion.

Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
‘His face shone like the sun.’

At that time: Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, ‘Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.’

Pope Leo's prayer intention for March 2026

For disarmament and peace
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.

Gospel
Matthew 5:43-48
‘You must be perfect as your heavenly Father is.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

Assisted dying is often presented as a matter of rights.

But before rights comes something deeper: human dignity.

Rights are defined by law. Dignity is not. It belongs to every person simply because they are human — in illness and in health, in strength and in weakness.

A law that permits ending life risks undermining that fundamental truth. Scotland should protect dignity, not redefine it.

Write to your MSPs by visiting:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

Carefully read the wording of the email before sending. Click the button and enter your postcode when prompted.

At this significant moment for our nation, we encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement. Please continue to pray for those facing serious illness, for their families, and for all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide us to choose the path that upholds the sanctity of life, defends the dignity of every person, and reflects the true compassion of Christ.