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

12th August 2026

12 August 2026

Statement from the Bishops of Scotland on the Funeral of Ann Widdecombe

Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

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

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom."

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

April 2025

28Apr

Pope Francis tells young people ‘learn how to listen’ in video published after death

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263703/pope-francis-tells-young-people-learn-how-to-listen-in-video-published-after-death

The video, shared by the Italian weekly magazine “Oggi,” was made public one day after the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, who died at the Vatican on April 21.

28Apr

Pope Francis’ passing leaves international soccer world in mourning

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263711/pope-s-passing-leaves-international-soccer-world-in-mourning
Glasgow Celtic, British soccer’s first winners of the European Cup in 1967 were formed by an Irish Catholic priest Brother Walfrid. The Catholic faith is indelibly associated with the club, and this was underscored by their official visit to meet Pope Francis in November 2023. The club was in Rome for a champions league match.

In his official welcome, Pope Francis pointed to Celtic’s origins among poor Irish immigrants to Glasgow, touching on themes that resonated throughout his papacy. Flagging the importance of the identity of the club on and off the field he said: “The valued legacy of your club places a heavy responsibility on your shoulders to be good role models especially for young people.” Read more......

Among the tens of thousands of mourners paying their respects before the coffin of Pope Francis late last week was Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

28Apr

Meet the 5 youngest cardinals taking part in the conclave

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263713/meet-the-5-youngest-cardinals-taking-part-in-the-conclave

Among the 135 cardinals who are eligible to vote in a conclave, 15 of them are under the age of 60. 

28Apr

Scottish assisted suicide bill even more extreme than Westminster bill | ICN

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52251

Catherine Robinson from Right to Life writes: In just a few weeks, the Scottish Parliament will hold its Stage One vote on L...

28Apr

Photos from Diocese of Argyll & the Isles's post

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

28Apr

Belated Happy 90th Birthday to Bishop Emeritus of Aberdeen, Peter Moran whose birthday was the 13th April

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Belated Happy 90th Birthday to Bishop Emeritus of Aberdeen, Peter Moran whose birthday was the 13th April. May God bless him!

28Apr

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office

28 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on May 7 according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Cardinals present in Rome made the decision on Monday at their fifth General Congregation.

The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain closed to visitors during those days.

27Apr

Messa Esequiale per il defunto Romano Pontefice Francesco

27 Apr, 2025 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Homily of Cardinal Re at the Requiem of Pope Francis

In this majestic Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist so many times and presided over great gatherings over the past twelve years, we are gathered with sad hearts in prayer around his mortal remains. Yet, we are sustained by the certainty of faith, which assures us tha...

27Apr