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

March 2025

03Mar

Pope Francis slept well through the night at Gemelli hospital - Vatican News

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/from-gemelli-hospital-pope-francis-slept-well-through-the-night.html

In the Monday morning update on the Pope's health, the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis slept well throughout the night.

03Mar

Photos from Justice & Peace Scotland's post

03 Mar, 2025 | Justice & Peace Scotland | Justice & Peace Scotland Facebook |

❓How much do you know about human trafficking?
❓Did you know it is the fastest growing international crime and the second largest source of illegal income in the world?
❓Did you know that incidents of human trafficking or modern slavery have been recorded in all 32 local authorities in Scotland?

Caritas Award students from St Anthony's and St Mark's Rutherglen have been collaborating on a project with Justice & Peace Scotland in recent months to learn, pray, and act in response to this significant human rights issue which Pope Francis has called "a crime against humanity."

Human trafficking is the the acquisition or illegal movement of a person by means of deception or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. The group have lead an awareness raising campaign in their parish over the past two weekends to engage more people on the topic. This has involved designing posters, preparing presentations, creating social media content, and engaging with fellow parishioners during all Sunday masses. The group's aims are simple:

1️⃣ Motivate their parish community to engage with the issue of human trafficking by linking it to our faith, gospel values, and the principles of Catholic social teaching.
2️⃣Inform people about the work of organisations like Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland who identify, recover, and support people in situations of exploitation and modern slavery.
3️⃣Spread the word beyond their own parish through their online social media campaign.

👍You can help them achieve as wide an audience as possible by liking and sharing this post and using the app from the Unseen & the Modern Slavery Helpline to report concerns about human trafficking.

🌟A huge congratulations to the Caritas Award students who have dedicated themselves to working with Justice & Peace Scotland since September. We are incredibly proud of your hard work, and it is truly inspiring to witness young individuals embodying the call of our Catholic faith to address the justice and peace challenges facing our world.

02Mar

Pope expresses gratitude for closeness and urges prayers for peace - Vatican News

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-gratitude-closeness-urges-prayers-peace.html

The Holy See Press Office releases Pope Francis' Angelus address as he continues his recovery at Gemelli Hospital. In his message, the Pope expresses ...

02Mar

Wondering what to do for Lent?

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Wondering what to do for Lent? Here are some ideas from Pope Francis to help you make this season meaningful. Small acts can make a big difference.

02Mar

Lord's Day Reflection: Fruits, Roots, and Lenten Boots - Walking the Talk - Vatican News

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-03/sunday-gospel-reflection-1-march-2025-kraska.html

As the Church celebrates the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day's liturgical readings, focusing on humility ...

02Mar

Scottish Catholic Conference 2025

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/75521

02Mar

🇺🇦🙏Pray with us for Ukraine and for the world

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

🇺🇦🙏Pray with us for Ukraine and for the world.

The beginning of this week marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Yesterday the international community watched in disbelief as the president of one country sought to intimidate and subjugate the president of another in front of the world's media.

At a time when true peace in the world seems beyond reach and much of the news is dominated by global powers seeking to outmanoeuvre one another in their quest to dominate, the voices of those committed to love, justice and peace must raise all the louder.

🙏 Heavenly Father, we pray for the people of Ukraine, that they may know peace, freedom and justice and an end to war in their land.

🙏God of compassion and love, we bring before you all Ukrainian and Russian families who have lost their loved ones during this war. Be close to them and bring them comfort in their anger and grief.

🙏 God of justice and peace, we implore you to move the hearts of world leaders that they may not be motivated by pride and ego but instead strive to lead with integrity, putting the common good of all before the pursuit of power and domination.

🙏Jesus, Light of the World, we pray that all global conflicts may be overcome not by warfare which brings death, sorrow, and destruction but by diplomacy, dialogue and resolution. Above all we ask you to illuminate the hearts of those who seek conflict with compassion and wisdom, that they may replace anger and violence with reconciliation and peace.

02Mar

Pope Francis continues to rest following a peaceful night - Vatican News

02 Mar, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-francis-continues-to-rest-following-a-peaceful-night.html

The Holy See Press Office reports on Sunday morning that Pope Francis had a peaceful night and continues to rest.

01Mar

Today the annual Cardinal Winning Lecture, preceded by Mass, took place in Glasgow University

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

Today the annual Cardinal Winning Lecture, preceded by Mass, took place in Glasgow University. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the University’s St Andrew Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education. The day explored the role of Catholic education, its successes and challenges, dialoguing with wider society and what we can offer and receive. I am grateful to all who work in Catholic education, within our diocese and beyond.
+Brian

01Mar

Pope in stable condition: No new respiratory attacks - Vatican News

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

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-03/pope-in-stable-condition-no-new-respiratory-attacks.html

Pope Francis is in stable condition, and has been alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation with long periods of supplemental high-flow ...