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The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

20th March 2026


20 March 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Following a request from the Holy See, the Bishops of Scotland have been invited to reflect on how the structures of the Church in our country can best serve her mission in the years ahead, specifically whether the present situation of eight dioceses is suitable.

We are all aware of the challenges before us — fewer clergy, changing patterns of practice, and increasing pressures on our diocesan resources, among other things. Yet our mission remains unchanged: to proclaim the Gospel and to lead our people to Christ.

Two possible pathways are being proposed for careful discernment: developing deeper cooperation and the sharing of resources across dioceses within our present structures, or the merging of some dioceses.

In order to best inform ourselves and the Holy See, each bishop will engage with his diocese over the coming months for the first part of this process. Everyone will be given the opportunity to pray, reflect, and contribute.

Following-on from the presentation of a discussion paper, responses from each diocese will contribute to the initial findings which will be given to the Holy See in the Autumn.

This is not simply an administrative exercise. It is a pastoral and missionary response to our changing landscape. This process will ensure our Church in Scotland will continue to grow ever more missionary, more Christ-centred, and more collaborative in the service of God’s people.

Entrusting this work to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of Our Lady, we move forward together with confidence and renewed hope.


Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

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

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

October 2025



On October 19, 2025, St. Peter’s Square will become the stage for a remarkable celebration as Pope Leo XIV canonizes seven blesseds, each with a story that echoes across continents and centuries. Among them is a Venezuelan physician, affectionately known as the “doctor of the poor,” and an Italian lawyer whose journey from a satanic priest to a passionate apostle of the Rosary has stirred imaginations. The Holy See’s press office shared news of these canonizations, approved at Pope Leo’s first consistory, building on his earlier recognition of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati and reaffirming his focus on modern lay heroes of faith. The new saints include two Venezuelans: Jose Gregorio Hernandez, cherished for his healing touch among the poor, and Maria Del Carmen Rendiles Marinez, who founded the Sisters Servants of Jesus. The list also honors Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian archbishop who gave his life during the Ottoman genocide; Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea executed in World War II; Vincenza Maria Poloni, founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona; and Maria Troncatti, a Salesian missionary who brought hope to Ecuador’s Shuar people. Yet, it is Bartolo Longo’s extraordinary transformation from darkness to devotion that has captured hearts ahead of the ceremony. The October 19 Mass, expected to draw throngs of pilgrims, will echo the spirit of previous canonizations, weaving together personal testimonies, sacred music, and the Pope’s solemn proclamation. On this momentous occasion, the Church’s message of conversion and mercy shines brightly, offering hope in a world hungry for meaning and compassion. Tune in to Shalom World TV and witness the canonization ceremony LIVE on Sunday, October 19, at 10:30 AM Rome Time (4:30 AM ET/ 9:30 AM BST/ 2:00 PM IST/ 7:30 PM AEDT)

#Canonization #PopeLeoXIV #StPetersSquare #BartoloLongo #newsaints

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