The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

13th April 2026

13 April 2026

Peace and Dialogue: the Gospel Response to Conflict

The Bishops of Scotland today renew their urgent appeal to political leaders across the world to pursue peace with courage, determination, and sincerity. In a time marked by deepening conflict and human suffering, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more pressing.

War brings devastation, loss, and division. It leaves lasting wounds in families, communities, and nations, and it disproportionately harms the innocent. The Bishops call on all those in positions of authority to reject the path of escalation and instead commit themselves to meaningful dialogue, patient negotiation, and the difficult but necessary work of peacebuilding.

The Bishops express their gratitude to Pope Leo for his clear and consistent voice in calling for peace. His leadership continues to be a guiding light for the Church and the world at this critical time.

Reflecting on the Holy Father’s recent Vigil for Peace held last Saturday, the Bishops highlight his powerful words:
“Let us silence the weapons, so that the voice of humanity may be heard. Let us choose encounter over confrontation, and the courage of peace over the illusion of power.”

The Bishops of Scotland invite Catholics across our country to join the Holy Father in this appeal. In parishes, homes, and communities, we continue to pray fervently for an end to violence and for the triumph of justice and reconciliation.

The Bishops urge all people of goodwill to stand together in hope. Peace is not beyond reach - but it requires genuine humility, courage, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.

As the Holy Father begins his apostolic journey to several countries in Africa as a missionary of peace, we assure him of our continued prayers and solidarity.

Image: Pope Leo XIV by Edgar Beltrán / Wikimedia Commons

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

April 2026

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

Holy Mass of Friday of the Second Week of Easter | 17 April 2026

17 Apr, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Second Week of Easter | 17 April 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

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

Your support for Missio Scotland, and our PMS partners, ensures that children in countries such as Senegal are provided with the...

17 Apr, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Your support for Missio Scotland, and our PMS partners, ensures that children in countries such as Senegal are provided with the highest standard of love and care

#MissiosFridayFacts

@followers

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 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

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.”

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 |

16Apr

In Bamenda, Cameroon, a little girl ran to Pope Leo XIV for a hug after Mass

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

In Bamenda, Cameroon, a little girl ran to Pope Leo XIV for a hug after Mass.

A small moment but one that says everything.