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

05Dec

For Christians in areas of war or conflict – The Pope Video – December 2025

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

POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray “that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.”

🎥 Watch his full message here:

By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...

04Dec

For Christians in areas of war or conflict – The Pope Video – December 2025

04 Dec, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

🇻🇦POPE LEO'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

This month the Holy Father asks us to turn our hearts in prayer to those Christians living in the midst of war and conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

He asks us to pray that they may not feel abandoned but rather be strengthened as "seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope." He calls us to stand in spiritual solidarity with those who suffer and to become builders of unity in our own communities.

Let us join him in this prayer.

🎥 Watch his full message here:

By The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network: https://www.popesprayer.va/ The Pope Video: https://thepopevideo.org/ In collaboration with Vatican Media: http://www...

03Dec

Pro indy tycoon brands SNP Government group's abortion plan 'infanticide'

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

EXCLUSIVE: Sir Brian Souter has been criticised over his comments about proposals to change abortion law.

01Dec

The National Office for Marriage, Family and Life has published the December edition of the Catholic Families for Life newslette...

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

The National Office for Marriage, Family and Life has published the December edition of the Catholic Families for Life newsletter.

This month’s issue offers reflections, resources, and guidance to support and strengthen family life across our communities.

Read it here: https://marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk/newsletter/

01Dec

📢NEWS FROM JUSTICE & PEACE SCOTLAND

01 Dec, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

📢NEWS FROM JUSTICE & PEACE SCOTLAND
Our latest newsletter is available now and we are looking back on a busy few months of advocacy where many of you joined us in prayer and witness.

This edition covers:
📣 Scotland Demands Better: marching against poverty in Edinburgh.
🌍 COP30 Mass: Archbishop Nolan’s challenge to the powerful on climate justice.
❤️ Dilexi te: rediscovering a practical love for the marginalised.
🕯️ Advent: upcoming events including an ecumenical advent service in Glasgow hosted by Friends of the Holy Land.

➡️Head to our website to read, download and share the new update.

01Dec

Pope Leo's Intentions for the month of December.

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

Pope Leo's Intentions for the month of December.

November 2025

30Nov

If Christ Came Back Today… Would You Be Ready?

30 Nov, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As we begin Advent, Bishop Frank Dougan invites us to pause and reflect on what it truly means to welcome Christ at His coming.

Before we even think about Christmas, the Church asks us to first look ahead, to the Second Coming of Christ.

In this short reflection, Bishop Frank shares the opening prayer from today’s Mass and gently challenges us with an important question:

If Christ returned today… would we be ready?

The early Christians longed for the Lord’s return with eagerness and joy. So why do we sometimes hesitate?
Why do we find ourselves praying like St Augustine once did: “Make me good… but not yet”?

Take a moment today to listen, reflect, and prepare your heart as we begin our Advent journey.

30Nov