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

May 2026

25May

Conference with Pope Leo

25 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Press conference on the First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV’s, Magnifica Humanitas, which focuses on artificial intelligence.

25May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 19:25-34
‘Behold, your son! Behold, your mother!’

At that time: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’ A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished’, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.

25May

Mary’s divine motherhood gives a deeper meaning to the mystery of Christmas

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

Mary’s divine motherhood gives a deeper meaning to the mystery of Christmas. She holds a unique place in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, responding freely to God’s invitation through the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26–38). Elizabeth recognises this extraordinary role when she says: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42–43). As the Mother of God, Mary occupies a singular place within God’s plan of salvation.

Although he does not mention Mary by name, St Paul writes that “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). He continues by explaining that God sends “the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!’” reminding us that through Christ, Mary becomes a mother to all who belong to him.

Many theologians have also reflected on Mary’s motherhood as part of God’s eternal plan for creation. Christ, the incarnate Word, was at the centre of God’s saving design from the beginning, the one through whom perfect love and worship would be offered to the Father on behalf of all creation. In this understanding, Mary too was chosen from all eternity to be the mother of the Son.

The title “Mother of God” dates back to at least the third or fourth century. In Greek, the title Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer,” became central to the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation. At the Council of Ephesus in 431, the Church solemnly affirmed that the Blessed Virgin could rightly be called Theotokos. Tradition tells us that crowds celebrated in the streets, crying out: “Praised be the Theotokos!” This teaching continues in the life of the Church today. In the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Mary is referred to as “Mother of God” twelve times, highlighting the enduring importance of her role in salvation history.

24May

Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will publish his first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on safeguarding the human person i...

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

Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will publish his first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, focused on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence.

Signed on 15th May, the document is already being seen as a significant contribution to the Church’s reflection on human dignity, technology and the future of society.

The Encyclical will be formally presented at the Vatican tomorrow morning, with Pope Leo XIV in attendance alongside theologians, Church leaders and experts in artificial intelligence.

As the Church continues to engage with the rapidly changing digital world, many will be looking to this first Encyclical for guidance, wisdom and hope.

24May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

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

Earlier this week, people gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh for Sung Vespers and prayers for peace in the Holy Land.

Archbishop Cushley reflected on his recent visit to the Holy Land, saying: “I got to see how people of goodwill just want peace. Our Church is present there, and it is through charities like Friends of the Holy Land that we are able to reach out and help them.”

Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, spoke of the importance of prayer and solidarity with Christian communities across the region, highlighting the ecumenical nature of the charity’s work.

The exhibition ‘50 Faces of the Holy Land’ continues to be on display at St Mary’s Cathedral this week.

24May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24May

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

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

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection: 24 May 2026

24May

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Can...

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

A wonderful evening of music took place at Motherwell Cathedral as the Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes were joined by the Cantabile Ensemble for a special concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral.

The evening brought together talented musicians of all ages, including the orchestra’s Young Learners, whose performance highlighted the next generation of young musicians.

24May

Holy Mass of Pentecost | 24 May 2026

24 May, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Pentecost | 24 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

24May

Gospel

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

Gospel
John 20:19-23
‘As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit.’

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’