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

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

April 2026

18Apr

Could this be your role?

18 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Could this be your role?

Helping to nurture the Catholic faith in a supportive and welcoming environment.

To find out more, please contact:
[email protected]

18Apr

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

18 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A strong community is always built on the generosity of many. In Carfin, that spirit is alive and well.

For over fifty years, the Spiritan mission has been sustained not only by faith, but by the quiet dedication of volunteers who give their time so generously. From the charity shop and Tea Club to the sacristy and behind-the-scenes support, their contribution is at the heart of daily life in the community.

Recently, the team gathered to share a simple lunch together, a small way of saying thank them for all that they do. Their commitment continues to strengthen the mission and serve others in meaningful ways.

Please keep them in your prayers.

What’s happening at The Spiritans, Carfin:

* Daily Mass: Monday–Saturday at 12pm
* St Anthony Novena: Tuesdays at 6:30pm
* Monthly Adoration: First Monday of the month at 6:45pm
* Tuesday Tea Club: First Tuesday, 10:30am–1:30pm
* Charity Shop: Monday–Saturday, 10am–2pm
* Hall hire available

18Apr

They’re off!

18 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

They’re off! 🙌

Young people from the RC Diocese of Galloway are on their way to Dumfries for the 2026 Easter Youth Gathering. Everyone has been picked up and the journey is underway.

Follow their day at Diocese of Galloway Youth!

18Apr

🇬🇧Open House Scotland

18 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

One week to go ⏳

St John the Baptist Church in Uddingston will host a Divine Renovation Open Day on 25 April — a free event open to all.

Fr James Mallon, author of Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission, will be travelling from Canada to take part.

The day will include:

* Real experiences from parishioners running Alpha through the Wellspring initiative
* Insight into building a missionary parish
* Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal

📍 St John the Baptist, Uddingston
🕤 9:30am – 5:00pm

This is a chance to see how parish renewal is taking shape in Scotland — and how communities are sharing the love of Christ in practical ways.

All are welcome. Register here:

The St John the Baptist Parish invites you to DR Open House Scotland, featuring Fr. James Mallon as keynote speaker, a chance to get inspired by priests and parishioners as they share stories of transformation. Hear their learnings and dream about the change that could happen in your own parish. If....

18Apr

Gospel

18 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 6:16-21
‘They saw Jesus walking on the sea.’

When evening came, the disciples of Jesus went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

17Apr

“Trust in God still…”

17 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

“Trust in God still…”

Join us this June for a Festival of Synodality — a day of encounter, listening, and renewal in the life of the Church in Scotland.

📅 Saturday 6th June
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

Book your place today.
http://bit.ly/synodality26

17Apr

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

17 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Moments from Bamenda as Pope Leo XIV gathered with the local community for a Meeting for Peace. 🇨🇲

With thousands coming together in prayer, the Holy Father’s presence was a clear call for reconciliation, unity, and a renewed path forward.

17Apr

Pope Leo XIV departs Yaoundé, boarding the papal plane for Douala

17 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Pope Leo XIV departs Yaoundé, boarding the papal plane for Douala.

In Douala, he is set to celebrate Mass, visit a Catholic hospital, and spend time in dialogue with university professors and students.

📸 Vatican Media

17Apr

Gospel

17 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
John 6:1-15
‘He distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.’

At that time: Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’ Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

17Apr

In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that peace is not just a hope, but something we are called to live out each day

17 Apr, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world that peace is not just a hope, but something we are called to live out each day.

Amid conflict and suffering, he urged us to reject division and choose a path rooted in love, justice, and unity because true peace must be lived, not just spoken.

“Let us walk together in love, searching always for peace.”