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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

22nd October 2026


22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.
Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.
During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.
Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

  • 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]

20th October 2026


20 October 2026

Scottish Theologian Appointed to Vatican’s International Theological Commission

Dr Sara Parvis of the University of Edinburgh has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the International Theological Commission for its new five-year term (2026–2031).

The Commission brings together theologians from around the world to advise the Holy See on important questions of Catholic theology and doctrine.

Born in Aberdeen and raised in Edinburgh, Dr Parvis is an Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity, specialising in early Christianity, Church history and patristic theology.

Welcoming the appointment, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, I warmly congratulate Sara on her appointment by Pope Leo to this important Commission.

“This appointment is a recognition of her distinguished theological scholarship and of the contribution Scottish scholars continue to make to the life of the universal Church.

“We wish Sara every blessing as she takes up this important responsibility and assure her of our prayers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Dr Parvis said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed to the International Theological Commission, and I’m very pleased to be bringing a Scottish perspective to the conversations the group will be having over the next few years.”

...ENDS

Notes to Editor

  • Photo of Dr Sara Parvis: Photo of Dr Sara Parvis
  • 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]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn
February 2025
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-francis-medical-condition-update-hspo-24-feb-pm.html


The Holy See Press Office provides an update on the Pope’s health: no new episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress; a slight reduction in oxygen ...
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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/
At 8pm in Scotland please join in praying the Rosary for Pope Francis🙏


The Holy See Press Office announces that from this evening, there will be a recitation of the rosary for Pope Francis' health in St. Peter's Square at ...
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Pope Francis had a restful tenth night in the hospital, according to a statement published on Monday morning by the Holy See Press Office.

"The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting," read the statement.

The Pope is receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office said his condition remains critical, though he has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday morning.

Pope Francis had received blood transfusions to bring up his hemoglobin levels.

"The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," said the Sunday press statement, adding that "high-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas."

Earlier on Sunday, the Pope attended Mass in his apartment in Gemelli Hospital with the doctors and nurses who are overseeing his treatment.
Read More
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-02/pope-condition-critical-but-no-new-respiratory-crisis.html


Pope Francis is alert and oxygen is still being administered. His blood values are improving thanks to transfusions. There is an initial slight renal ...
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During his Angelus address, which Pope Francis asked the Holy See Press Office to release while he recovers in the hospital, the Holy Father remembers ...
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Celebrating Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, Archbishop Rino Fisichella reads Pope Francis's homily in which he encourages deacons to be apostles ...
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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."
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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 ...
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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.
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