Former Leitrim principal named Bishop of Killala while also serving as Archbishop

A former Leitrim school principal has been appointed Bishop of Killala by Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Francis Duffy, who serves as Archbishop of Tuam, will now also hold the role of Bishop of Killala.

The two dioceses concerned, united in persona episcopi, will be pastorally administered by one bishop.

Archbishop Duffy was Principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, which is now Ballinamore Community School in 1996. He served there as principal for 12 years.

The news of this appointment was announced on Monday, February 23, following the celebration of Mass in Saint Muredach’s Cathedral, in the Diocese of Killala. 

In attendance were Archbishop Duffy; Father Michael Gilroy, Chairperson of the College of Consultors; as well as clergy and parishioners.

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Speaking in Saint Muredach’s Cathedral, Archbishop Duffy paid tribute to his predecessor, John Fleming, and noted that the two dioceses being pastorally administered by one bishop is happening for the first time.

“Bishop John’s vision, his ability to listen and read the signs of the times, and his dedicated work have contributed immensely to pastoral initiatives in this diocese,” he said.

“On this occasion, something new is happening here. For the first time, the Bishop of Killala is, at the same time, the Archbishop of Tuam, and in him both dioceses are united. The Church describes this as the union of dioceses in persona episcopi, in the person of the Bishop. The two dioceses remain distinct, their individual identities are preserved, they are governed separately, but they share the same Bishop,” added Archbishop Duffy.

Archbishop Duffy was Principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School in Ballinamore in 1996. He was later appointed Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore. During this time, Father Francis was also priest in residence, serving as assistant curate in Clifferna, Parish of Laragh, Cavan.

Born in Cavan in 1958, he obtained his priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College and was ordained a priest in 1982.

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“I am honoured to have been given this appointment, and I invite you to join me as we, trusting in the Lord, go forward together into “a future full of hope,” Archbishop Duffy concluded.