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

July 2026

23Jul

Gospel

23 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 15:1-8
‘Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch, and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.’

22Jul

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today

22 Jul, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

22Jul

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen | 22 July 2026

22 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen | 22 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

22Jul

Apart from the Blessed Virgin Mary, few women hold such an honoured place in the Gospels as Saint Mary Magdalene

22 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Apart from the Blessed Virgin Mary, few women hold such an honoured place in the Gospels as Saint Mary Magdalene. Despite this, she has often been misunderstood. For centuries, a tradition developed identifying her with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus. However, modern biblical scholarship recognises that there is no clear scriptural evidence linking the two figures.

Mary Magdalene, whose name indicates that she came from Magdala, is introduced in the Gospel as a woman from whom Jesus cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2). Rather than suggesting a sinful past, this expression is generally understood to refer to severe suffering, illness, or spiritual affliction from which she was healed through Christ’s compassion and power.

Following this encounter, Mary became one of Jesus’ most devoted disciples. The Gospels describe her as one of the women who supported Jesus and the Apostles through their own resources and accompanied them throughout His ministry. Her gratitude and faithfulness remained steadfast even during the darkest moments of Christ’s Passion.

Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the Cross when many others had fled. She witnessed the Lord’s crucifixion, burial, and, most significantly, became the first person to encounter the risen Christ on Easter morning. Entrusted with the news of the Resurrection, she was sent by Jesus to announce it to the Apostles.

Because of this unique mission, Mary Magdalene has been given the title “Apostle to the Apostles.” Her life is a powerful witness to the transforming mercy of Christ, faithful discipleship, and the hope of the Resurrection. Through her example, the Church honours a woman whose unwavering love and loyalty placed her at the heart of the Gospel story.

22Jul

Gospel

22 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 20:1-2, 11-18
‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’
Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ Having said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’ — and that he had said these things to her.

21Jul

Gospel

21 Jul, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
Matthew 12:46-50
‘Stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters!” ’

At that time: While Jesus was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers and sisters stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers and sisters?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers and sisters! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

21Jul

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 21 July 2026

21 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 21 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

20Jul

Lord Jesus, may we always seek more strongly to believe

20 Jul, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Lord Jesus, may we always seek more strongly to believe

#MissiosMondayPrayer

@followers

20Jul

Holy Mass of Monday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 20 July 2026

20 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Monday of the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 20 July 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

19Jul

Catholic Mass Today | Being Catholic Daily Mass | 19 July 2026

19 Jul, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

We are having problems with live streaming to Facebook this morning.

Join us by clicking below: 👇🏼

This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356