Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Down and Connor

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Down and Connor

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Bishop Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, as Bishop of Down and Connor.

Bishop Alan is no stranger to Down and Connor, a native son of the Diocese, he was a member of the Belfast Jesuit community for many years and undertook a number of ministries, most significantly Director of Living Church. I am delighted, on behalf of the clergy, religious and people of the Diocese, to welcome him home.

Arrangements for Bishop Alan’s taking up his appointment will be announced in due course. I ask God to bless him and the Diocese as he prepares to take up this ministry in the weeks ahead and ask you to keep him in your prayers.

Bishop Donal McKeown

Bishop McGuckian's Statement is available to read HERE