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

May 2026

08May

Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate

08 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

In this past year, he has called us to renew our faith, to witness with courage, and to proclaim the Gospel with clarity in today’s world.

As we give thanks for his leadership, let us keep him in our prayers, that the Lord may continue to guide and strengthen him in his ministry.

Ad multos annos, Holy Father.

08May

Gospel

08 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 15:12-17
‘These things I command you, so that you will love one another.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love

07May

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope!

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope! This will be a powerful event to show solidarity with our displaced Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Join us at Scotland’s Marian shrine for a unique camping experience, including an all-night prayer vigil, opportunities to learn more about ACN and our work, time to meet and socialise with other young Catholics, and more.

Participants can sign up by clicking here and should bring their own camping equipment and sleeping bags.

For more information, contact [email protected]

07May

St Margaret Pilgrimage 2026

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

07May

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May fro...

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May from 7.00pm to 9.30pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The service will be led by Fr Frankie Mulgrew of the Diocese of Salford and will include praise and worship, adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the laying on of hands, and prayer ministry.

All are invited to take part in this time of prayer and encounter with Christ’s healing love.

07May

Today, people across Scotland will head to the polls to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Today, people across Scotland will head to the polls to vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election. As Catholics, we are called to approach voting prayerfully and thoughtfully, keeping in mind the dignity of every person and the common good.

Please keep all candidates, voters, and those elected to public office in your prayers today.

07May

Gospel

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 15:9-11
‘Abide in my love, that your joy may be full.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’

06May

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

06 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

Join us for the Festival of Synodality on Saturday 6 June at Glasgow Caledonian University; a day centred on Conversation in the Spirit, where we listen deeply to God, to one another, and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t just another event, it’s an opportunity to:
✨ Reflect on God’s Word
✨ Be heard in a prayerful and respectful space
✨ Discover together how the Holy Spirit is guiding our Church

As Bishop Brian shares, this is an important and exciting moment for our parishes, our dioceses, and the Church across Scotland.

📅 Saturday 6 June
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

👉 Come and be part of the conversation. Come and listen. Come and discern.

🎟️ Book your place now: bit.ly/synodality26

06May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

06 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young people from St James’, Coatbridge, recently spent a day in St Andrews as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Primary 7 confirmandi completed their St Carlo Acutis “Highway to Heaven” passports during the visit, marking an important step in their journey of faith.

06May

Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters

06 May, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters. What matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers