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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

25th May 2026



25 May 2026

First Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

The Bishops of Scotland warmly welcome Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, as a timely and insightful contribution to one of the defining questions of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes human life, this important document calls us to place the dignity of the human person at the heart of every technological advance.

We encourage the faithful, our schools and parish communities to read, study and pray with this landmark text.

To support this, the Office of Communications and Evangelisation will soon publish a parish study guide and other resources for small groups and parish use, helping communities to reflect more deeply on the opportunities and challenges of new technologies and their impact on human life.

Bishop John Keenan
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland


Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

News from the Commissions and Agencies

October 2025
📢JOIN US AT SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER – The March for All of Us

🗓️ Saturday 25th October
🕥10:30am–12:30pm
📍 Scottish Churches Meeting Point: at the Scottish Water Top-Up Tap, outside the Scottish Parliament Visitors’ Entrance - (What3Words: wiping.small.chief)

We envision a future for Scotland built on unity, solidarity, and inclusion, not on division and intolerance.

That’s why Justice & Peace Scotland is proud to stand alongside The Poverty Alliance, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and over 200 organisations and faith groups for the Scotland Demands Better March in Edinburgh.

We are uniting this October to call for:
1️⃣Fair jobs and wages.
2️⃣Decent social security.
3️⃣Investment in essentials so that every household can thrive.

We know that the challenges facing our communities – poverty, low pay, homelessness, lack of resources – are leaving many frustrated and angry. We also know a better way is possible: one that rejects division and the scapegoating of minority groups and instead is rooted in solidarity and hope.

✝️ We need YOU to join us in Edinburgh as we come together as people of faith against poverty, against division, and demanding better for all people in Scotland.

🚶‍♀️The march will set off from the Scottish Parliament at 11am, travel up the Royal Mile to The Meadows, and conclude with a family-friendly rally full of music, speeches, and community spirit.

🪧Look out for the J&P Scotland banner and placards at the meeting point - bring your family, bring your friends, and let's demand better for Scotland.

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Pope Leo XIV discusses Hamas’ attack on Israel two years ago, and what has happened since, saying that his upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon aims to ...
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The Holy See Press Office announces Pope Leo XIV's first Apostolic Journeys abroad, which will take him to Türkiye on November 27-30 and to Lebanon ...
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🕊️"Blessed are the peacemakers."
The Bishops' Conference of Scotland have asked that we keep today, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, as a day to pray for peace in the Holy Land and wherever there is violence or conflict in our world.

🕯️Justice & Peace Scotland are also asking you to "Light a Prayer for Peace" at some point today too - light a candle as a symbol of your prayer and as a sign of hope shining in the darkness.

⛪Many churches across Scotland are opening their doors in response to the Bishops' request, if you are able to, please visit and light a candle there. If this is not possible, take a moment in your day to light a candle at home and pray for peace throughout the world. Here is a prayer we invite you to say:

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of the Holy Land:
Israeli and Palestinian; Jew, Christian, and Muslim.
We pray for an end to acts of violence and terror.
We lift to you all who are fearful and hurting.
We ask for wisdom and compassion for those in leadership.
Above all, we ask that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, establish lasting reconciliation and justice for the Holy Land and for all nations.

🙏Our Lady of the Rosary, Queen of Peace, Pray For Us.

📸 - This photograph was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem.

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The feast of the Holy Rosary was instituted by Pope Pius V to celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the Turkish fleet at the battle of Lepanto on the first Sunday in October 1571, which ended the threat of Muslim domination of the Mediterranean and was ascribed in part to the prayers and processions of the Rosary confraternity in Rome. Later the feast was moved to the fixed date of 7 October.

________

Collect

Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,
your grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son
was made known by the message of an Angel,
may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
by his Passion and Cross
be brought to the glory of his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Read More



The Holy See Secretary of State speaks to Vatican Media on the second anniversary of Hamas's “inhuman” attack on Israel, which unleashed the ...
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Speaking at the close of Mass in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo condemns both the “immense suffering” of Gazans and the rise of “antisemitic hatred” ...
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🚨 TOMORROW: Pray and Act for Gaza 🕊️

As we approach two years of war in Gaza, the Bishops' Conference of Scotland have asked Catholics across the country to dedicate 7th October to praying for peace in the Holy Land and wherever there is violence and conflict in our world.

Justice & Peace Scotland is inviting everyone to take part in two simple but powerful steps:

🕯️Step 1: Light a Prayer for Peace
Join us by visiting a Church tomorrow if you can, and lighting a candle for all those affected by the war in Gaza. Pray for an immediate end to violence, for any ceasefires or peace agreements to hold, for families to be reunited with loved ones taken hostage, and for a just and lasting peace to be achieved for all Palestinians and Israelis.

✍️ Step 2: Write to Your MP
A template letter is available on our website for you to download and personalise. Use it to urge the UK Government to do all in its power to help end the suffering, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and support genuine peace where both Palestinians and Israelis have agency in shaping their own futures.

Even as the situation continues to change rapidly, these actions remain vital. Together, through prayer and advocacy, we can shine a light in the darkness and be a voice for justice and peace.
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