Some of you will be aware that Margo MacDonald, one of our MSPs, has presented an “End of Life Assistance” Bill, which seeks to legalise ‘physician assisted suicide’. In other words, doctors would be allowed to prescribe or administer a medication to cause the immediate death in those requesting it. Many of you will also be aware of high profile cases in the media of people with incurable and disabling conditions, who have requested physician assisted suicide or who have requested immunity from prosecution for loved ones who assist them to die.

Every five years each bishop in the world makes a formal visit ''to the thresholds of the 'apostles" - in Latin, Ad limina apostolorum. With the other bishops of his country, (1) he celebrates Mass at the tombs of St Peter and of St Paul, (2) he meets the Pope individually and (3) he visits the Departments (in Vatican language the Congregations and the Pontifical Councils) of the "Civil Service" of the universal Church.

Scotland's eight diocesan bishops, with two retired colleagues, made their visit in early February this year.

Mass in the crypt of die Vatican basilica, where St Peter lies buried, is a privilege and an emotional experience. So, of course, is an individual meeting with the Holy Father!