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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

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 tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn
April 2025
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-urbi-et-orbi-easter-2025-peace-gaza-drc-sudan-arms.html


Pope Francis dedicates his Easter Urbi et Orbi message to calling for peace worldwide, for global disarmament and for the release of prisoners.
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Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.

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Happy Easter 🙏🙏🙏

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The Easter holidays are a perfect time to pause, pray, and explore some of Scotland’s rich Catholic heritage.

Here are some special places where faith, history, and beauty come together:

📍St Ninian’s Cave and Whithorn Priory

Walk the quiet coastal path to the cave where St Ninian, Scotland’s first known Christian missionary, is said to have prayed. Nearby, explore the ruins of Whithorn Priory — a powerful reminder of over 1,600 years of Christian faith in the area.

📍 The Whithorn Trust

Step inside the visitor centre and museum to see artefacts from centuries of pilgrimage. A brilliant stop for families wanting to connect with Scotland’s Christian story.

📍St Columba’s, Largs

Nestled by the sea, this welcoming parish is a peaceful place to visit, light a candle, and reflect — perhaps followed by a stroll along the promenade with views across to Cumbrae.

📍Carfin Grotto, Motherwell

Sometimes called “Scotland’s Lourdes”, this prayerful shrine offers Stations of the Cross, Rosary paths, and a peaceful grotto — a perfect space for quiet prayer or a family pilgrimage.

📍St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Glasgow

A beautiful and historic cathedral on the banks of the Clyde, with a peaceful atmosphere and regular Masses for visitors.

📍St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh Castle

The oldest building in Edinburgh, tucked inside the castle walls, and built in honour of St Margaret of Scotland — a saint, queen, and mother known for her compassion and faith.

📍St Andrew’s Cathedral, St Andrews (Fife)

Although now in ruins, this was once the largest church in Scotland — a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. Take a walk through the remains and imagine the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims.

This Eastertide, let your holidays include a step closer to the saints, the history of our faith, and Christ Himself. Where will your journey take you?
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As we prepare to celebrate the triumph of the Lord's Resurrection at the Easter Vigil in parishes across the Diocese, Bishop Toal offers his Easter Message to the people of the Diocese.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year there can be no day more hope-filled than Easter Sunday as we celebrate with great joy the Lord’s Resurrection. May the Risen Lord Jesus therefore renew our faith, fill us with great hope, and inspire further acts of Christian love and service.

A special word of welcome to those received into the Church this Easter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience the power of the Lord’s presence in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. May your participation in Christ and his Church sustain you constantly now in the pilgrimage of life.

As we continue to hear of the ravages of war and of the terror felt by many in our troubled world we pray earnestly for peace and justice, for forgiveness and healing, for a respite from fear and a glimmer of hope.

We pray that the Lord of New Life will keep us and our loved ones safe in his care and bring consolation to all in pain.

With my Easter blessing and good wishes,

+ Joseph Toal
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Images of Mary the sorrowful mother and the hopeful mother awaiting the resurrection of Her Son🙏



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From the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening
We have walked the Stations of the Cross. We have turned towards the love from which nothing can ever separate us. Now, as the King sleeps and a great silence descends upon all the earth, let us pray, in the words of Saint Francis, for the gift of heartfelt conversion:
“Most High and glorious God, Cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Grant me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, and profound humility. Grant me, Lord, wisdom and understanding, so that I may do your true and holy will. Amen.”

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-via-crucis-meditations-easter-2025-god-s-economy.html


In his meditations written for the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum—presided over this evening, 18 April, by Cardinal Baldo Reina on ...
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Betrayed by a kiss. Raised up in glory 🙏



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