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

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

April 2025

28Apr

Pope Francis’ passing leaves international soccer world in mourning

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263711/pope-s-passing-leaves-international-soccer-world-in-mourning
Glasgow Celtic, British soccer’s first winners of the European Cup in 1967 were formed by an Irish Catholic priest Brother Walfrid. The Catholic faith is indelibly associated with the club, and this was underscored by their official visit to meet Pope Francis in November 2023. The club was in Rome for a champions league match.

In his official welcome, Pope Francis pointed to Celtic’s origins among poor Irish immigrants to Glasgow, touching on themes that resonated throughout his papacy. Flagging the importance of the identity of the club on and off the field he said: “The valued legacy of your club places a heavy responsibility on your shoulders to be good role models especially for young people.” Read more......

Among the tens of thousands of mourners paying their respects before the coffin of Pope Francis late last week was Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

28Apr

Meet the 5 youngest cardinals taking part in the conclave

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263713/meet-the-5-youngest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-conclave

Among the 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in a conclave, 15 of them are under the age of 60. 

28Apr

Scottish assisted suicide bill even more extreme than Westminster bill | ICN

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52251

Catherine Robinson from Right to Life writes: In just a few weeks, the Scottish Parliament will hold its Stage One vote on L...

28Apr

Photos from Diocese of Argyll & the Isles's post

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

28Apr

Belated Happy 90th Birthday to Bishop Emeritus of Aberdeen, Peter Moran whose birthday was the 13th April

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Belated Happy 90th Birthday to Bishop Emeritus of Aberdeen, Peter Moran whose birthday was the 13th April. May God bless him!

28Apr

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.

The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain closed to visitors during those days.

27Apr

Messa Esequiale per il defunto Romano Pontefice Francesco

27 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Homily of Cardinal Re at the Requiem of Pope Francis

In this majestic Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist so many times and presided over great gatherings over the past twelve years, we are gathered with sad hearts in prayer around his mortal remains. Yet, we are sustained by the certainty of faith, which assures us tha...

27Apr