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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

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn
June 2026
Gospel
Mark 12:1-12
‘They took the beloved son and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.’

At that time: Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the wine press and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes”?’
And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

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May 2026
Pope Leo's prayer intention for June 2026

For the values of sports
Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

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Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection - 31st May 2026

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Behind every episcopal motto is a story of faith, prayer and the hopes a bishop carries into his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Bishop John Keenan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Suscepit servum recordatus misericordiae” — “He looks on his servant, remembering his mercy.”

Taken from the Magnificat, Bishop Keenan shares how the words reflect trust in God’s mercy, devotion to Our Blessed Lady and the humility of serving as a bishop within the wider tradition of the Church.

Speaking honestly about the enormity of episcopal ministry and the comfort found in God’s mercy, Bishop Keenan explains why these words became the foundation of his ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Keenan shares the inspiration behind his motto.

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Today we celebrate the mystery of one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

'Blest be God the Father,
and the Only Begotten Son of God,
and also the Holy Spirit,
for he has shown us his merciful love'

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Gospel
Mark 11:27-33
‘By what authority are you doing these things?’

At that time: Jesus and his disciples came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the Temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.’ And they discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “From man”?’ — they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’

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A bishop’s motto often reflects the values and vision that guide his ministry and relationship with the people he serves.

In tonight’s video, Bishop Joseph Toal reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Walk humbly with God.”

Taken from the Prophet Micah, Bishop Toal shares how these words have shaped his ministry, from walking alongside communities in Argyll and the Isles to serving the people of the Diocese of Motherwell today.

Reflecting on faith, humility and the presence of God in both nature and daily life, Bishop Toal explains why this Scripture passage became the guiding thread of his episcopal ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Toal shares the inspiration behind his motto.

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Over 2,000 young people from across Scotland gathered yesterday at the SEC Armadillo to receive the Caritas Award, recognising their commitment to faith in action through service in their schools, parishes and local communities.

The Caritas Award encourages young people to live out the Gospel in practical ways, supporting others, growing in faith and becoming witnesses of hope within the world around them.

Yesterday’s celebration was a powerful reminder of the goodness, compassion and faith of young people across Scotland and of the positive impact they are making in the Church and society today.

Congratulations to every young person who received the award. Your witness, kindness and service are an inspiration to us all.

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Gospel
Mark 11:27-33
‘By what authority are you doing these things?’

At that time: Jesus and his disciples came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the Temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.’ And they discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven”, he will say, “Why then did you not believe him?” But shall we say, “From man”?’ — they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’

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The words chosen by a bishop at his episcopal consecration often become a guiding thread throughout his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Bishop Frank Dougan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Quench not the wavering flame.”

Inspired by the suffering servant songs of the Prophet Isaiah and the light of the Easter Vigil, Bishop Frank speaks about the delicate flame of faith, how easily it can be weakened, and the importance of protecting and nurturing it in others.

From one small flame can come a great light.

Watch now as Bishop Frank shares the story and spirituality behind his motto.

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