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

April 2024

06Apr

Hope For Peace in Gaza: A Conversation With Fr Gabriel Romanelli

06 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Dear Supporters of Justice and Peace Scotland,

We are pleased to let you know that booking is NOW OPEN and the programme of events for the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, has now been confirmed. You are invited to join Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF, and the Archdiocese of Glasgow on Friday 26th April for two events in Fr Gabriel's company.

Join us first for "Hope For Peace in Gaza: A Conversation With Fr Gabriel Romanelli" which will consist of a keynote address by Fr Gabriel followed by a discussion panel and Q&A. Panellists will include Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of Justice & Peace Scotland, and Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (other panellists still to be confirmed). After the talk, we will make our way to St Andrew's Cathedral for Celebration of Holy Mass with Fr Gabriel and the Archbishop. All details including address and timings are in the flyer below. Book your place by clicking on the flyer, or by clicking here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hope-for-peace-in-gaza-a-conversation-with-fr-gabriel-romanelli-tickets-876630554587?aff=oddtdtcreator

Although the events marking Fr Gabriel's visit are free to attend, booking for the talk and Q&A is essential to allow us to monitor numbers. Registration will take place on the day to ensure those who have booked are admitted. There is no registration required for the mass. If you wish to attend the mass only, then please do not register, as this will reduce the available places at the talk.

We encourage as many of you to attend both events as possible to show our solidarity and support with Fr Gabriel and his community at this time of conflict and violence in The Holy Land, and ask you to please share the details of his visit with friends, family, and in your own networks.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 26th April.

In Peace,

Justice and Peace Scotland (The National Commission for Justice and Peace)

Join us at Trades Hall as we listen to Fr. Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, speak about his hopes for peace.

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06Apr

New Church statistics reveal more Catholics, fewer vocations - Vatican News

06 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-04/vatican-central-statistical-office-church-pontifical-yearbook.html

The Holy See publishes the 2024 Pontifical Yearbook and the 2022 Statistical Yearbook of the Church, detailing the numbers of bishops, priests, men ...

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06Apr

International conference in Rome demands abolition of surrogacy - Vatican News

06 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2024-04/international-conference-in-rome-demands-abolition-of-surrogacy.html

For two days, international experts, with the Holy See's participation, gather in Rome to discuss issues surrounding surrogacy, and to demand its ...

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04Apr

HCPT - Trust Mass, Underground Basilica, 04/04/24 10h

04 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

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04Apr

Pope Francis: A priest's primary obligation is to keep love alive - Vatican News

04 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-04/pope-francis-priests-primary-obligation-is-keeping-love-alive.html

Speaking with members of the Pontifical Latin-American, Brazilian, and Mexican Colleges, Pope Francis reflects on love, calling it “a central theme in ...

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04Apr

An exceptional a cappella Easter hymn from Kings Return

04 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://aleteia.org/2024/04/03/an-exceptional-a-cappella-easter-hymn-from-kings-return/

This outstanding a cappella choir routinely performs Christian hymns in imaginative and downright gorgeous tones of R&B, barbershop, jazz, and gospel.

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04Apr

Pope holds Rosary, Bible of dead Ukrainian soldier

04 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://aleteia.org/2024/04/03/pope-holds-rosary-bible-of-dead-ukrainian-soldier/
Let us pray for peace!

Pope Francis notes that the young man, Alexander, had Psalm 130 underlined. He was only 23.

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04Apr

What is the season of Eastertide and how long is it?

04 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://aleteia.org/2024/04/02/what-is-the-season-of-eastertide-and-how-long-is-it/

Eastertide is simply another name for the Easter Season and refers to the time after Easter when the Church focuses on Jesus' resurrection.

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03Apr

Scottish assisted dying bill a 'dangerous idea' says Catholic Church

03 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24217810.assisted-dying-bill-dangerous-says-catholic-church/

The Catholic Church has described the assisted dying bill which will be voted on by the Scottish Parliament as a "dangerous idea" which…

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03Apr

Easter under the bombs in Zaporizhzhia - Vatican News

03 Apr, 2024 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-04/easter-under-fire-zaporizhzhia.html

We speak to the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, who spent Easter in Ukraine under heavy Russian bombardment.

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