Monsignor Hugh Bradley has been appointed as the new General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.
Mgr Bradley previously spent six years serving in the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education.
He is currently parish priest of St Matthew's Parish in Bishopbriggs, Glasgow.
He succeeds Mgr Paul Conroy, who was recently appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
Commenting on the appointment, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland said: "I am delighted that Mgr Hugh has agreed to serve as General Secretary to the Bishops' Conference.
"This is a key role in the life of the Church in Scotland. He brings to the task many years of pastoral and administrative experience of the Church in Scotland and beyond."
Mgr Bradley said: "I was surprised but honoured to be asked to take on the role of General Secretary. I will miss the life of the parish where I have happily served for 13 years, but look forward to the challenges as the Church in Scotland gears up for the new evangelisation efforts which lie ahead."
