The Bishop of Ossory’s set for a move home to his native county.
Donegal man Niall Coll, who took up the role based in Kilkenny city in 2023 (he joined us in studio soon after) and who’d previously served as a lecturer in Systematic Theology at St Patrick’s Carlow College, has this morning been appointed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the new Bishop of Raphoe, his first Irish announcement since taking over the helm of the Catholic Church.
The announcement was made following 10am Mass at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny which was attended by Bishop Philip Boyce, Bishop Emeritus of Raphoe, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of Raphoe as well as clergy and lay people.
He caused some disquiet locally during a recent rejig of priests in particular in the north west area of Kilkenny (see here) while he also sought to increase diversity in parishes here.
It’s not yet known who will succeed him locally or when – he’ll continue with his local diocesan duties until his installation date which has yet to be confirmed.
Listen back to Bishop Coll’s speech and the announcement as made via St Eunan’s webcam here;
