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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

National Family Conference 2026

11th October 2026


11 October 2026

Scotland’s Bishops Lead Prayers for Pope Leo

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers.

Bishop Keenan said:

“We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world.

“At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem.

“On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support.

“We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery.

“May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

...ENDS

Notes for editors

  • Photo of Pope Leo: Photo of Pope Leo XIV
  • The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
  • For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

8th October 2026


8 October 2026

Parental and Pastoral Care Without Fear: A Response to the SNP Conference Motion on Conversion Practices

The Catholic Parliamentary Office shares the determination to protect every person from violence, coercion, and abuse and strongly believes that such conduct should be addressed effectively under the law, and those who have suffered harm should receive compassionate and appropriate support.

At the same time, the motion tabled at SNP Party Conference proposes a prohibition of exceptional breadth, extending across family life, religious settings, healthcare and situations in which an adult has sought assistance voluntarily. Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct.

Parents and carers have responsibilities for the welfare of their children, including listening, offering reassurance, setting appropriate boundaries and helping them to reflect carefully on significant decisions. A broadly framed ban could create uncertainty about whether a parent may ask questions, encourage patience, seek professional advice or discuss the family’s moral and religious convictions without fear that such conversations might later be characterised as unlawful.

This uncertainty could weaken trust within the home. Children and young people benefit when they can speak openly with those who know and love them best, without family members feeling compelled either to affirm immediately every stated view or to withdraw from sensitive discussion altogether.

Pastoral ministry is founded on respect for the dignity and freedom of every person. Clergy, chaplains and lay pastoral workers are called to listen without condemnation and to accompany people with sensitivity and discretion. Individuals may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance for many reasons. They should remain free to ask for such support, and clergy should remain free to respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith, provided no abuse, intimidation or coercion is involved.

It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn’t already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law. Moreover, it is vital that any new law contains clear protections for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, private and family life, and the voluntary giving and receiving of pastoral care.

Anthony Horan

Director

Catholic Parliamentary Office

Bishops' Conference of Scotland

...ENDS

Notes for editors

  • Photo of Anthony Horan, Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office: Photo of Anthony Horan
  • The Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office works on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, by engaging with politicians and policymakers on matters central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
  • For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

December 2025
On Christmas Day, the Holy Father appeals to the world for one full day of peace.

A simple request.

#ChristmasDay #OneDayOfPeace

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Holy Mass of Twenty Fourth of December

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Gospel of the Day (Luke 1:67-79)

At that time: Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

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This evening, Pope Leo spoke with deep honesty about assisted suicide, following the recent legalisation of euthanasia in his home state of Illinois.

After meeting with the Governor of Illinois, the Holy Father said he was “very disappointed” by the decision and reaffirmed the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life, from conception to natural death. He urged people, especially during these Christmas days, to reflect on the goodness and dignity of every human life, reminding us that God became human to show us what it truly means to live a human life.

These words resonate strongly here in Scotland.

As many will know, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is approaching a final Stage 3 vote at Holyrood early next year. This is a critical moment. Religious groups, medical professionals, disability groups and charities are working together to protect the most vulnerable and to uphold the dignity of life at its most fragile.

Pope Leo’s message is about compassion that does not abandon, care that does not hasten death, and a society that values every life until its natural end.

Now is a time for prayer, reflection, and respectful engagement with our MSPs. If you wish to make your voice heard in a courteous and constructive way, you can contact your MSPs and learn more about the legislation here:
👉 https://carenotkilling.scot/

“I hope and pray that the respect for life will once again grow in all moments of human existence.” — Pope Leo

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A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

As we wait to welcome Jesus,
the Prince of Peace,
born among the poor and laid in a manger,
we place before God the injustices in our world.

In a time of war and division,
fear and intolerance,
may the light of Christ’s coming
shine through the darkness.

May the child of Bethlehem
soften hardened hearts,
turn us away from violence and indifference,
and inspire us to sow seeds of harmony, justice, and peace.

May the infant Jesus inspire us to recognise the humanity in the refugee, the excluded, and the forgotten;
to choose dialogue over division,
compassion over fear,
and hope over despair.

As pilgrims of hope this Christmas,
may we be hopeful bearers of peace:
in our homes, our communities,
and in our shared global family.

May the light of the manager illuminate the world with love, dignity, justice, and peace.

Amen.

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🎄✨ CHRISTMAS WITH DANA

🌟 Whether you're gathered with loved ones or enjoying a cosy night in, Dana's festive spirit will add an extra dash of warmth to your holiday celebrations. Join Dana as she shares the history and performs much loved Christmas Carols.

📅 Tonight at 8pm

On Being Catholic TV, experience the joy of the season with Dana as she brings the magic of Christmas to your screens!

📺 Watch the Christmas special on Freeview, channel 279 or by downloading our app on Amazon Fire Stick, Roku TV, and Apple and Android devices. Can't wait to tune in? Visit BeingCatholic.org/watch-live for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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