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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

February 2026
📰Update from the Bishops' Conference on plans for new offices.


The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has been exploring the possibility of bringing together our various agencies and commissions under one roof. The former Martyrs’ School building in Glasgow was identified as a potential solution, and so a project team was charged with outlining viability and costs.

Following the meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in January, the Bishops agreed not to move forward with the Martyrs’ project. The local authority and other stakeholders have been informed.

The decision was ultimately taken on the basis that the costs required to make the building fit for purpose were considered too high.

The Bishops’ Conference is now reviewing options within its existing estate.
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Today, the first Friday of Lent, is dedicated across Scotland to remembering and praying for survivors of abuse.

We do not always know who they are when we gather as a community to pray. Some no longer feel able to come into church with us, and their absence is deeply felt. Abuse within the Church, whether carried out by clergy, religious or lay members, was a betrayal of the sanctuary the Church is called to be. Its effects continue to ripple through families and communities. These are not easy realities to face, yet it is a sacred duty and an act of justice to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pray humbly for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust.

May our communities always be a true sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, in danger or in distress.
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Holy Mass of Friday after Ash Wednesday | 20 February 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has been exploring the possibility of bringing together our various agencies and commissions under one roof. The former Martyrs’ School building in Glasgow was identified as a potential solution, and so a project team was charged with outlining viability and costs.

Following the meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in January, the Bishops agreed not to move forward with the Martyrs’ project. The local authority and other stakeholders have been informed.

The decision was ultimately taken on the basis that the costs required to make the building fit for purpose were considered too high.

The Bishops’ Conference is now reviewing options within its existing estate.

Read More
Today, the first Friday of Lent, is dedicated across Scotland to remembering and praying for survivors of abuse.

We do not always know who they are when we gather as a community to pray. Some no longer feel able to come into church with us, and their absence is deeply felt. Abuse within the Church, whether carried out by clergy, religious or lay members, was a betrayal of the sanctuary the Church is called to be. Its effects continue to ripple through families and communities. These are not easy realities to face, yet it is a sacred duty and an act of justice to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pray humbly for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust.

May our communities always be a true sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, in danger or in distress.

Read More
Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15
‘When the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast.’

At that time: The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’

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A national gathering. A moment of renewal. A day led by the Spirit.

Join others from across Scotland at Glasgow Caledonian University on Saturday, 6th June, for a powerful and hope-filled Festival of Synodality.

This is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to experience Conversation in the Spirit firsthand and discover a practical and prayerful way of discerning God’s will together for the future of the Church.

The day will celebrate the fruits already flourishing in the Scottish Church and feature inspiring witnesses to the Synod:
✨ Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor
✨ Fr David McCallum SJ
✨ Sandra Chaoul

Expect prayer. Inspiration. Real conversation. Time to connect with others from parishes, schools, dioceses and faith organisations across the country.
Lunch is included on the day.

Whether involved in parish life, diocesan leadership, education, ministry or simply seeking to grow deeper in mission, this day is for you.

Tickets £65: http://bit.ly/synodality26

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Gospel
Luke 9:22-25
‘Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’
And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’

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Lent 2026 begins on Ash Wednesday, 18 February, and leads us through forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we prepare for the sacred days of Holy Week and the joy of Easter.

These Sundays of Lent mark our journey with Christ from the desert to Jerusalem, from repentance to renewal.

The ashes placed on our foreheads remind us of two essential truths:
“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Both call us to conversion, not out of fear, but out of hope as we fix our eyes on Heaven.

May this Lent be a time of grace, renewal and deeper faith.

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