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

December 2025

23Dec

Holy Mass of Twenty Third of December

23 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Twenty Third of December
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

23Dec

23 December – O Emmanuel

23 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

23 December – O Emmanuel

Today we reach the fulfilment of the O Antiphons with O Emmanuel, God with us. Having called upon the Messiah through the images of history, prophecy, and creation, the Church now addresses Him directly and personally. Emmanuel reveals the heart of God: a God who chooses closeness, who shares our weakness and suffering, who comes as one of us. He desires not only to dwell among us but to remain with us always, living within us and drawing us into His own divine life.

22Dec

Holy Mass of Twenty Second of December

22 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Twenty Second of December
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

22Dec

22 December – O Rex Gentium

22 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

22 December – O Rex Gentium

Today’s antiphon, O King of the Nations, proclaims Christ as ruler of all creation. His kingdom extends over every people and every corner of the world. Yet this King comes not in power or force, but in humility. By becoming man, He enters a world wounded by sin in order to reclaim what was lost and restore humanity to God. In Him, Jews and Gentiles alike are gathered into one people, united under the gentle and saving reign of Christ the King.

21Dec

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21 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | BCoS Facebook |

Amid the presents, food, and family time, Christmas invites us to pause and remember its true meaning, the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem.

This Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, our parish doors are wide open. Come and celebrate with us in prayer, carols, and joy as we gather around the altar and the stable.

Whatever your journey of faith, you are welcome. This Christmas, come home. There’s a pew waiting for you.
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21Dec

Join us for the celebration of Christmas on Being Catholic TV

21 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Join us for the celebration of Christmas on Being Catholic TV. This is a great way for the sick and housebound to join us in the liturgy of the Lord’s Birth.

LIVE across the UK on Freeview channel 279 and across all our platforms.

Full details below. Please share with family, friends and fellow parishioners.

21Dec

Bishop Toal's Sunday Refletion for Fourth Sunday of Advent

21 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Bishop Toal's Sunday Refletion for Fourth Sunday of Advent

21Dec

Bishop Toal's Sunday Refletion for Fourth Sunday of Advent

21 Dec, 2025 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Bishop Toal's Sunday Refletion for Fourth Sunday of Advent

21Dec

21 December – O Oriens

21 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

21 December – O Oriens

Today we acclaim Christ as O Oriens, the Radiant Dawn and Light of the world. He is the true sunrise who breaks through the darkness of sin and despair. By His teaching, His example, and His saving sacrifice, Christ brings light to hearts searching for meaning. From the manger to the cross, from the tabernacle to the depths of our own lives, He shines as the answer to humanity’s deepest questions and the hope that never fades.

21Dec

21 December – O Oriens

21 Dec, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |