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

23May

Holy Mass of Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 23 May 2026

23 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 23 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

23May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 21:20-25
‘This is the disciple who has written these things, and his testimony is true.’

At that time: Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?’ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!’ So the saying spread abroad among the brothers and sisters that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?’
This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

22May

Bishops Conference of Scotland > Our Work > Promoting Respect and Care for Human Life > Care of Creation

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

The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si' and Laudate Deum, the office provides advice, support, and guidance to dioceses and parishes as they assess their carbon footprint and discern practical ways to work towards carbon neutrality.

The office also works closely with organisations including Eco-Congregation Scotland, SCIAF, and Justice & Peace Scotland on issues affecting both local communities and the wider global family. Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and practical initiatives, the office seeks to help Catholics across Scotland respond to the call to care for our common home with faith, responsibility, and hope.

Find out more about the work of the Care of Creation Office here:

The Office for the Care of Creation was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in 2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ documents Laudato si and Laudate Deum , it provides advice and guidance to dioceses and parishes to assess their carbon footprint and discern how to work towards carbon n...

22May

📢 SAVE THE DATE: DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - DUNGAVEL SOLIDARITY WITNESS - Sunday 14th June, 1pm, Dungavel House Strathaven, ML10 6R...

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

📢 SAVE THE DATE: DIGNITY NOT DETENTION - DUNGAVEL SOLIDARITY WITNESS - Sunday 14th June, 1pm, Dungavel House Strathaven, ML10 6RF

Twice a year we gather outside Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre to stand in solidarity with those detained inside and to call for an end to indefinite immigration detention in the UK. As anti-immigrant sentiment and hostile rhetoric towards migrants and refugees continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we come together to show that another response is possible – one that is rooted in compassion, human dignity, and love for the stranger.

22May

Holy Mass of Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 22 May 2026

22 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 22 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

22May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 21:15-19
‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.’

When Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.’ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

21May

YouTube Originals

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

“The Letter” is a powerful documentary exploring more about the principles of Pope Francis’ letter Laudato Si and the escalating impact of climate change on communities around the world. Watch the film here.

56K likes, 539 comments. "The Pope, the Environmental Crisis, and Frontline Leaders | The Letter: Laudato Si Film"

21May

Photos from ACN Scotland's post

21 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

21May

💬 Big changes start with small decisions

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

💬 Big changes start with small decisions.

🌍“My action for our common home is…”

Every gesture counts. Every voice inspires.

🌱 What about you?

Join Laudato Si’ Week and show your commitment.

#LaudatoSiWeek2026 #FromHopeToAction

21May

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 21 May 2026

21 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter | 21 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356