𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼 Archbishop Leo Cushley has welcomed the announcement that Pope Leo XIV has accepted an invitation to become Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Archbishop Cushley is the Bishop President for Ecumenical Relations of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. This honour follows The King’s own appointment as Royal Confrater of the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome during his State Visit to the Vatican in October last year. Welcoming the announcement, Archbishop Cushley said: “I warmly welcome the news that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Pope Leo as Papal Confrater of the College of St George at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. By this gesture, both His Majesty and the Holy Father have shown their clear wish to promote Christian unity through emphasis on all that we treasure in common, not least our respect and friendship for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗞 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 The UK Budget, to be delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 28 October, will set out the UK Government’s plans for taxation and public spending alongside an independent assessment of the economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Its decisions will shape the resources available for public services, devolved governments and support for households and communities across the country. The Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland urges the Chancellor to put human dignity and the common good at the heart of the Budget. That means tackling poverty in all its forms, protecting people who need care, sustaining families and community services, and reversing international aid cuts. Poverty, inadequate housing and healthcare, family breakdown, unemployment and environmental neglect all undermine the dignity of individuals and the wellbeing of society. For households struggling with living costs, this must include targeted energy support for those unable to afford adequate heating, alongside sustained investment in affordable housing and warmer homes. The Budget must address the cost-of-living crisis head on and provide the support people need to meet essential costs, keep their homes warm and live with dignity. The welfare system must also provide adequate support for those in need and practical routes into employment for those able to work. Alongside these commitments, the Budget must provide sustainable funding settlements that enable devolved governments to support all these key areas. Our responsibility to those in need also extends beyond our borders. We urge the UK Government to reverse the planned cut in Official Development Assistance from 0.5% to 0.3% of national income by 2027 and work towards restoring 0.7%. This would support low-income countries and protect essential humanitarian and development programmes from further disruption. The same commitment to human dignity must guide our response to refugees and people seeking asylum. We urge the UK Government to provide safe, legal routes to protection, including resettlement and family reunion, backed by adequate funding. The Budget should also support local authorities and community organisations to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives. Community organisations also play a vital role in supporting people in need. They require fair, sustainable and predictable funding, and their experience must help shape policy. Finally, care for the environment must go hand in hand with care for those most affected by change. The Chancellor must provide predictable international climate finance for communities in greatest need and protect low-income households from disproportionate costs in the transition to cleaner energy.

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.

Further updates from the Vatican on Pope Leo’s health.

The Mark 10 Mission are coming to Scotland to host free events to support schools, parishes and families who are working with young people in the area of Evangelisation. Greg Finn is teaming up with Catholic Alpha to host events in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen Catholic Cathedrals. The event called 'Forming A Generation' is for anyone passionate about evangelising young people. There will be music, talks and testimonies. Greg will share the best ways to help primary-aged children grow in love of Christ, and then Georgia Ferrer from Alpha will speak on how to inspire and accompany young people aged 12-18. As mentioned, the events are completely free to attend, and Mark 10 Mission wants to invite teachers, headteachers, parents, grandparents, catechists, clergy... anyone with a heart for children and young people growing in faith. The dates are Glasgow, 9th November, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Dundee 12th November, 6.30pm - 8.30pm and Aberdeen 14th November, 11am - 1pm. All information and registration details can be found by following this link: themark10mission.co.uk/formi…

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.”

Pope Leo has been discharged from hospital

This Sunday, 18 October, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, with the theme “One in Christ – United in Mission.” The second collection in parishes across Scotland supports the Church’s missionary work through Missio Scotland. This year’s appeal highlights projects in Albania and Ukraine, helping provide care and education for children, support for homeless people, and warmth and shelter for those affected by war. Please keep missionaries and the communities they serve in your prayers and, if you are able, give generously to your parish collection. Together, our prayers and generosity help bring Christ’s love to those most in need.

Pope Leo XIV's doctors announced on Saturday morning that Pope Leo XIV is fit to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital. In a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said the Pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray in the morning, which confirm that his clinical condition allows for him to leave hospital.

Further health update from The Holy See on Pope Leo today. Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora have provided the following update on the Pope’s postoperative recovery: This morning, the Holy Father underwent the blood tests and chest X-ray scheduled after surgery. The results confirm that his postoperative recovery is progressing normally: the values are within the expected range for the type of operation performed. The Holy Father has undergone respiratory physiotherapy and has begun walking around his room. He has resumed eating normally and had breakfast and lunch. His recovery is proceeding as expected. We ask the people of Scotland to keep the Holy Father in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Source: Vatican Media

The bishops of Scotland invite all Catholics and all people of goodwill across the country to keep Pope Leo XIV in their prayers following surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this afternoon. The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that tests carried out during the procedure have diagnosed the Holy Father with a common form of lung cancer. The operation was successful, and there were no complications. Pope Leo is now recovering following surgery. We ask the people of Scotland to keep the Holy Father in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, together with the doctors, nurses and all those caring for him. May the Lord grant Pope Leo strength, peace and healing as he begins his recovery.

Bishop Frank Dougan of Galloway appeared on BBC One’s Scotcast programme last night. During the programme, Bishop Frank reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church, its changing role in Scottish society, and the importance of faith and community in the years ahead. You can watch the full programme now on the BBC iPlayer by clicking the link below: bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0…

The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV’s surgery to remove a small, localised nodule from his lung has been completed successfully. The procedure was completed within the expected timeframe and as planned, and the Holy Father has now returned to his room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Further information will be provided by the Holy See in due course. We continue to keep Pope Leo in our prayers as he recovers. 🙏🏻

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼 The Catholic bishops of Scotland have offered their prayers and support for Pope Leo XIV following the announcement today that he is to undergo surgery in the coming days. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square at today’s Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo revealed that recent medical examinations had identified a small, localised nodule on his lung. The Holy Father explained that it had been detected at a very early stage and that, following medical advice, he had decided to undergo surgery to remove it. Speaking on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, Bishop John Keenan expressed the bishops’ solidarity with the Holy Father and invited Catholics and people of goodwill across Scotland to remember him in their prayers. Bishop Keenan said: “We are conscious of the concern that news of the Holy Father’s health will bring to Catholics and to so many others throughout the world. “At this time, we wish to express our closeness to Pope Leo and our hope that he will be strengthened and reassured by the prayers and good wishes of so many people who hold him in great affection and esteem. “On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I want to assure the Holy Father of our heartfelt prayers and support. “We invite Catholics across Scotland, and all people of goodwill, to join us in praying for Pope Leo, for the medical team caring for him, and for a successful operation and a full and speedy recovery. “May the Lord give him strength and peace in the days ahead.”

Speaking at the Angelus this afternoon, Pope Leo XIV has shared that, during recent medical checks, doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung. The Holy Father has reassured the faithful that it was detected at a very early stage and is well localised. Following medical advice, he will undergo a planned procedure in the coming days to have it removed. Pope Leo thanked everyone for their spiritual closeness and entrusted himself to our prayers. “Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, doctors found a localised nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well localised. The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it. The operation is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers.” Let us keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he prepares for surgery, asking the Lord to guide his medical team and grant him a smooth procedure and speedy recovery. 🙏 🎥 Source: Vatican Media

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗡𝗣 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 The Catholic Parliamentary Office shares the determination to protect every person from violence, coercion, and abuse and strongly believes that such conduct should be addressed effectively under the law, and those who have suffered harm should receive compassionate and appropriate support. At the same time, the motion tabled at SNP Party Conference proposes a prohibition of exceptional breadth, extending across family life, religious settings, healthcare and situations in which an adult has sought assistance voluntarily. Without precise definitions and robust safeguards, such an approach risks treating ordinary conversations, conscientious guidance and supportive care as suspect simply because they engage questions of identity, relationships, faith or personal conduct. Parents and carers have responsibilities for the welfare of their children, including listening, offering reassurance, setting appropriate boundaries and helping them to reflect carefully on significant decisions. A broadly framed ban could create uncertainty about whether a parent may ask questions, encourage patience, seek professional advice or discuss the family’s moral and religious convictions without fear that such conversations might later be characterised as unlawful. This uncertainty could weaken trust within the home. Children and young people benefit when they can speak openly with those who know and love them best, without family members feeling compelled either to affirm immediately every stated view or to withdraw from sensitive discussion altogether. Pastoral ministry is founded on respect for the dignity and freedom of every person. Clergy, chaplains and lay pastoral workers are called to listen without condemnation and to accompany people with sensitivity and discretion. Individuals may seek prayer, spiritual counsel or moral guidance for many reasons. They should remain free to ask for such support, and clergy should remain free to respond honestly and compassionately within the teaching of their faith, provided no abuse, intimidation or coercion is involved. It is important, for the sake of clarity and legal certainty, that supporters of conversion practices legislation demonstrate which conduct that isn’t already illegal they intend to criminalise by the proposed new law. Moreover, it is vital that any new law contains clear protections for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of expression, private and family life, and the voluntary giving and receiving of pastoral care. 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀' 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗡𝗣 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The Catholic Parliamentary Office welcomes the decision of the Scottish National Party to remove from its conference agenda a proposed motion that would have sought to decriminalise self-administered abortion and significantly weaken legal protections for unborn children. Last month, in response to reports of the motion, the Catholic Parliamentary Office expressed its concern that SNP members could be asked to support proposals that would have allowed self-administered abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion. At that time, CPO Director Anthony Horan noted that any measure which could permit abortion up to the point of birth and facilitate sex-selective abortion raised "profound moral and ethical concerns". Commenting on the decision to withdraw the motion, Anthony Horan said: "I welcome the decision of the SNP to remove this motion from its conference agenda. The proposals it contained would have represented a radical and unnecessary weakening of protections for unborn children and their mothers. "Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death. A compassionate society is one that protects both mother and child. "I am grateful to all those who highlighted the serious ethical concerns raised by these proposals and who encouraged reflection on the wider consequences of removing long-standing legal safeguards. "Scotland faces many pressing challenges. Families are struggling with the cost of living, communities require better housing and healthcare provision, and we need greater investment in support for parents, children and high-quality palliative care. These are the issues that deserve the attention of our political leaders. "I hope that this decision provides an opportunity for a more constructive conversation about how Scotland can support women facing difficult pregnancies while continuing to uphold respect for the dignity and value of every human life."

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is deeply concerned by renewed calls to decriminalise abortion in Scotland and to remove existing legal safeguards governing the ending of unborn human life. These proposals would permit abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion. Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth; a dignity that does not depend upon age, size, ability, dependency or stage of development. It begins at conception and continues until natural death. A just and compassionate society should recognise and protect the lives of both mother and child, especially when either is vulnerable. We are deeply disturbed that the Scottish Greens believe abortion should be treated "like any other healthcare procedure". This claim simply does not match the brutal reality of abortion, which is the deliberate ending of an innocent, defenceless human life. This act can never be regarded as simply another healthcare intervention, nor can it ever be described as "safe". Medicine exists to heal, protect and care for human life. While we recognise that women can face profoundly difficult and distressing circumstances during pregnancy, society's response should be to offer practical support, compassionate care and genuine alternatives rather than measures that further weaken protection for the unborn. The public debate on abortion often focuses exclusively on autonomy and choice. While personal freedom is important, rights must always be considered alongside responsibilities and the rights of others, including those who are unable to speak for themselves. We urge the Scottish Government, and all MSPs, to reflect carefully on the ethical, medical and social implications of these proposals. We also call for greater investment in maternity services, perinatal mental health support, family assistance programmes, pregnancy counselling, and practical support for women facing challenging pregnancies. Scotland should aspire to be a society where no woman feels abandoned during pregnancy and where every human life is welcomed, valued and protected. Rather than removing legal protections for unborn children, we should work together to build a culture of solidarity, care and compassion for both mother and child. There is a better way than abortion. 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻 President of the Marriage, Family and Life Commission Bishops’ Conference of Scotland