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

February 2025

23Feb

Pope to deacons: ‘Be apostles of forgiveness and selfless servants’ - Vatican News

23 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Celebrating Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, Archbishop Rino Fisichella reads Pope Francis's homily in which he encourages deacons to be apostles ...

23Feb

As we celebrate the Jubilee of Deacons, we give thanks for the dedication and service of those who have answered the call to thi...

23 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As we celebrate the Jubilee of Deacons, we give thanks for the dedication and service of those who have answered the call to this vital ministry. Deacons play a crucial role in the life of the Church, serving their communities with faith, compassion, and commitment.

Deacon Robert Mackie shares his experience of ministry and the joy he finds in serving his parish communities:

"I find the most fulfilling part of my ministry as a deacon is serving the people of the three parishes I’m appointed to—St John’s, Cumnock; St Thomas, Muirkirk; and Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Auchinleck—in collaboration with my parish priest, Fr Phillip. These are faith-filled parish communities, and I am privileged to support them, not only in the joyful moments of their lives but also in the difficult times. Celebrating the Eucharist together has been a great support in my ministry as a deacon."

23Feb

Pope Francis has peaceful ninth night in the hospital - Vatican News

23 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-francis-morning-23-february-2025-health-gemelli-hospital.html

On Sunday morning, the Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night in Rome's Gemelli hospital where he is being treated for ...

23Feb

Pope at Gemelli hospital: Respiratory crisis on Saturday morning - Vatican News

23 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-at-gemelli-hospital-respiratory-crisis-in-the-morning.html
Let us pray for the recovery of our Holy Father🙏

Although more fatigued, Pope Francis spends Saturday sitting in an armchair, as blood transfusions were necessary and the prognosis remains guarded.

22Feb

A post from Bishops' Conference of Scotland

22 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

22Feb

Photos from Motherwell Diocese's post

22 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

22Feb

Rather than placing the Jubilee Cross on the Cathedral Sanctuary we decided that it should be accessible to all

22 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Rather than placing the Jubilee Cross on the Cathedral Sanctuary we decided that it should be accessible to all. Therefore, our Cross stands beside the Baptismal Font where each visitor can venerate it, including by embrace or kiss. After Morning Mass we process together as Pilgrims of Hope to the Cross for veneration. Jesus revealed the depth of his love for us on the Cross, from which our hope springs. I will be celebrating a Jubilee Mass of Hope in each Deanery to which I will bring the Jubilee Cross, after which each parish will host the Cross for a short period. This will allow the entire diocese to be united in our shared pilgrimage, finding hope in God’s love which shines upon us from the Cross.
+Brian

22Feb

Chair of Saint Peter | Franciscan Media

22 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/chair-of-saint-peter/
Prayers for Pope Francis on the Feast of the Chair of St Peter🙏

Every cathedral has a “cathedra,” a bishop’s chair that is used only by the bishop when he presides in the cathedral. It’s a symbol of his authority as chief teacher and liturgist of the diocese. So, today we celebrate the authority of the chief bishop, Saint Peter and his successors, the po...

19Feb

"The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory markers."

19 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

"The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory markers."

The Holy See Press Office released an update on Pope Francis' health on Wednesday evening. It described the Holy Father's condition as "stable."

Continuing, the statement explained the Pope had breakfast in the morning and then "engaged in work activities with his closest collaborators. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist."

In the afternoon, Pope Francis received "a visit from the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, with whom he privately spent 20 minutes."

19Feb

A statement from the Vatican today has announced that Pope Francis is being treated for bilateral pneumonia

19 Feb, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

A statement from the Vatican today has announced that Pope Francis is being treated for bilateral pneumonia. The Holy Father has asked that you continue to pray for him. 🙏

Statement:
“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the “A. Gemelli” Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.”

“Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good spirits.”

The Press Office statement concludes by noting that the Pope had "received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”