• oban1
  • Slider1
  • edinburgh2
  • fortrose1
  • edinburgh1
  • glasgow1
  • ayr1
  • paisley1
  • Slider1
  • ayr2

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

July 2026
Gospel
Matthew 8:28-34
‘Have you come here to torment demons before the time?’

At that time: When Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, ‘If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.’ And he said to them, ‘Go.’ So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

Read More
June 2026
Pope Leo's prayer intention for July 2026

For respect for human life
Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognising it as a gift from God.

Read More
Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 30 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Read More
Gospel
Matthew 8:23-27
‘He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm.’

At that time: When Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’

Read More
Medjugorje Mass | 29 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Read More
Holy Mass of Monday of the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time | 29 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Read More
Gospel
Matthew 8:18-22
‘Follow me.’

At that time: When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, ‘Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.’

Read More
Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

Read More
Sunday Reflection with Bishop Toal: 28 June 2026

Read More
𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆

The Bishops of Scotland have appointed Fr Pat Keegans as the new Spiritual Director of the Royal Scots College in Salamanca.

A priest of the Diocese of Galloway, Fr Keegans ministered in numerous parishes over his priestly life. He is also a former student of the Royal Scots College in Valladolid and has maintained close links with the Scottish seminary and with other former students over many years through the Ambrosian Society and his visits to Valladolid and Salamanca.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:
“I warmly welcome Fr Pat’s appointment and thank him for his generous response to this call. His experience, wisdom and priestly witness will be a great gift to our seminarians. I also thank Fr Stuart Chalmers for his devoted service to the college during his tenure as Spiritual Director.”

Fr John Carroll, College Rector, said:
“I am delighted that Fr Pat is joining the College community. I have known him for many years and know he will be an understanding, compassionate and prayerful guide for our seminarians. I look forward to welcoming him to Salamanca.”

Fr Pat, commenting on his appointment, said:
“Being asked to be the Spiritual Director at the Royal Scots College in Salamanca is a privilege and honour. I can hardly believe it. I am thrilled and very happy indeed."

Read More
Page 5 of 290 [5]