Pope Francis Appoints Fr Michael Duignan as Bishop of Clonfert

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Michael Duignan of the Diocese of Elphin as the Bishop of Clonfert, following the resignation of Bishop John Kirby. The announcement was made public on Tuesday 16th July 2019 in the Vatican and has been welcomed by Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop John Kirby, Archbishop Michael Neary and Archbishop Eamon Martin.

Please see below statements relating to the announcement including details of the Life and Ministry of Father Duignan and the Bishop-elect’s speaking notes from Mass in Saint Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea in the Diocese of Clonfert: 

• • Pope Francis appoints Father Michael Duignan as Bishop of Clonfert (Life and Ministry) 
  • Bishop Kevin Doran welcomes appointment of Father Michael Duignan as Bishop of Clonfert
  • Statement by Bishop John Kirby welcoming Bishop-elect Duignan to the Diocese of Clonfert
  • Statement of Archbishop Michael Neary on the appointment of Father Michael Duignan as Bishop of Clonfert  
  • Archbishop Eamon Martin congratulates Bishop-elect Michael Duignan on his appointment to the Diocese of Clonfert
  • Speaking notes of Bishop-elect Michael Duignan on his appointment to the Diocese of Clonfert 
  • Statement of Archbishop Michael Neary on the retirement of Bishop John Kirby

Photographs are available here. 

With thanks to the Catholic Communications Office of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference for the texts above and photographs.  (Photos: John McIlroy)