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

20th October 2026

20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

11th October 2026

11 October 2026

Scotland’s Bishops Lead Prayers for Pope Leo

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

Bishop Keenan said:

“We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem.

“On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support.

“We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

Photo of Pope Leo: Photo of Pope Leo XIV
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

October 2026

19Oct

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time | 19 October 2026

19 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time | 19 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

19Oct

Gospel

19 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Luke 12:13-21
‘The things you have prepared, whose will they be?’

At that time: Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions.’ And he told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” And he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ ” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is the one who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.’

18Oct

Holy Mass of the Twenty Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 18 October 2026

18 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Twenty Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time | 18 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

18Oct

Gospel

18 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 22:15-21
‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

At that time: The Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle Jesus in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

17Oct

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Campsie Glen celebrate the centenary of their founding in 1926. 🎉

Archbishop Cushley was the principal celebrant at a special Mass of thanksgiving, joined by fellow bishops, priests, sisters and friends of the community.

The celebration was an opportunity to give thanks for 100 years of faith, prayer and service, and to look forward with hope to the future of this international religious community, which has a special devotion to Our Lady.

Congratulations to all at Schoenstatt Scotland - Retreat & Pilgrimage Centre on this wonderful milestone! 🙏

17Oct

Photos from Vatican News's post

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo has been discharged from hospital.

17Oct

This Sunday, 18 October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, with the theme “One in Christ – United in M...

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

This Sunday, 18 October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, with the theme “One in Christ – United in Mission.”

The second collection in parishes across Scotland supports the Church’s missionary work through Missio Scotland. This year’s appeal highlights projects in Albania and Ukraine, helping provide care and education for children, support for homeless people, and warmth and shelter for those affected by war.

Please keep missionaries and the communities they serve in your prayers and, if you are able, give generously to your parish collection. Together, our prayers and generosity help bring Christ’s love to those most in need.

17Oct

Pope Leo XIV's doctors announced on Saturday morning that Pope Leo XIV is fit to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo XIV's doctors announced on Saturday morning that Pope Leo XIV is fit to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital.

In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray in the morning, which confirm that his clinical condition allows for him to leave hospital.

17Oct

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch | 17 October 2026

17 Oct, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch | 17 October 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

17Oct

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

17 Oct, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Born in Syria, Saint Ignatius became a Christian and later served as Bishop of Antioch. Around AD 107, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Trajan, he refused to deny his faith in Christ. He was condemned to death and taken to Rome.

During this long journey, Ignatius wrote seven letters that remain an important witness to the faith of the early Church. Five were addressed to Christian communities in Asia Minor. In them, he encouraged believers to remain faithful to God, follow the guidance of their bishops and resist false teachings.

Another letter was written to Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who would also later give his life for the faith. His final letter was addressed to the Christians in Rome. Knowing what awaited him, Ignatius asked them not to intervene to prevent his martyrdom. He wished to offer his life to God and remain faithful to Christ to the end.

Describing himself as the wheat of God, Ignatius expressed his willingness to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that he might become the pure bread of Christ. He faced his death in Rome with courage, leaving the Church a lasting example of faith, love and trust in God.