The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

25th May 2026

25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

September 2025

06Sep

BOOK YOUR PLACE at the 2025 National Safeguarding Conference, taking place on Saturday 8th November 2025 in the University of St...

06 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

BOOK YOUR PLACE at the 2025 National Safeguarding Conference, taking place on Saturday 8th November 2025 in the University of Strathclyde Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow. You can attend IN PERSON or ONLINE (£45).
Details & Booking Form here: http://bit.ly/4lZwirY or SCAN the QR code on the flier.
This conference is an important annual event for all who are responsible for safeguarding in Catholic parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and lay organisations. It provides a great opportunity to hear input from experts in the field, to participate in structured conversations and to network with others involved in safeguarding roles.
Bishops' Conference of Scotland Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh Archdiocese of Glasgow Motherwell Diocese Diocese of Paisley RC Diocese of Galloway RC Diocese of Aberdeen Diocese of Argyll & the Isles

06Sep

Bishop Frank is in Rome for the course for new bishops

06 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Frank is in Rome for the course for new bishops. This morning, along with over 200 bishops, he concelebrated Mass in St Peter’s after walking through the Holy Door. Look out for photos from tomorrow’s canonisation Mass.

06Sep

All volunteers for Sunday’s pilgrimage (experienced and new) should meet at Café Bernadette at 12:30pm

06 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

All volunteers for Sunday’s pilgrimage (experienced and new) should meet at Café Bernadette at 12:30pm. There will be a 20 minute briefing where roles will be allocated. Any new volunteers will be made most welcome!

06Sep

Photos from RC Diocese of Galloway's post

06 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

05Sep

Edinburgh Airport this morning as the national pilgrimage for the Jubilee set off with pilgrims from every diocese in Scotland 🙏...

05 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Edinburgh Airport this morning as the national pilgrimage for the Jubilee set off with pilgrims from every diocese in Scotland 🙏 Assisi then Rome

04Sep

Pope at Audience: ‘I thirst’ is Jesus' cry for love and relationship - Vatican News

04 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-09/pope-audience-catechesis-jesus-i-thirst-silent-cry-love.html

At the weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Jesus’ final words on the Cross, and recalls that human fragility “is a bridge towards ...

04Sep

Pope's September prayer intention: For our relationship with creation - Vatican News

04 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-09/september-prayer-intention-for-our-relationship-with-creation.html

In his prayer intention for September 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray that we might experience our interdependence with all creatures, who are ...

04Sep

Pope Leo XIV appeals to international community to respond to crisis in Sudan - Vatican News

04 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-09/pope-leo-xiv-sudan-appeal-tarasin-humanitarian-emergency.html

Pope Leo XIV launches an appeal to the international community to provide humanitarian aid for the suffering people in war-ravaged Sudan, and asks for ...

03Sep

Pastor's Duty to Speak Out - Gregory the Great

03 Sep, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/pastors-duty-to-speak-out/

Gregory the Great on pastors duty to preach bold warning to repent. Silence in the face of sin, evil & faults is cowardice & fear.

03Sep

📰Did you catch our latest newsletter?

03 Sep, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📰Did you catch our latest newsletter? It's on our website now!

🕊️We're looking back on a powerful summer season of advocacy actions including: standing in solidarity with refugees, speaking out against nuclear weapons, and opposing cruel detention practices.

📝We also have two quick ways for you to join the movement for justice and peace in only a few clicks. Learn more about the Turn Debt Into Hope and Red Line For Gaza campaigns inside!