Archbishops’ statements on the appointment of Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry

17 Feb 2025

Caption  Today Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry. The picture was taken after the celebration of 10.00am Mass in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nathy. From left to right: Father Vincent Sherlock, Chancellor of the Diocese of Achonry; Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Bishop of Achonry; and, Fathers Pravin Dhason and Paul Kivlehan (credit: Fr Vincent Sherlock)

At 11.00am (Ireland time) this morning, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Achonry and as Bishop of Elphin.  The two Dioceses concerned, united in persona episcopi, will be pastorally administered by one Bishop.  Following this news, please see the statements below from Archbishop Francis Duffy and from Archbishop Eamon Martin:

Statement of Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and Apostolic Administrator of Killala
I warmly welcome the announcement today of Pope Francis’ decision to appoint Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry, in addition to his current responsibilities as Bishop of Elphin.

When the Holy See announced last April that a gradual process of reorganisation of dioceses was envisaged, it did so in an effort to meet the evolving needs of the dioceses in the west of Ireland, specifically in the ecclesiastical province of Tuam.

Bishop Kevin was entrusted with the pastoral care of the Diocese of Achonry at that time with the understanding that, after careful assessment and further consultation, the time may come when the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin would be governed by one Bishop.  It is a testament to the proactive way Bishop Kevin has engaged with the vision put forth by the Holy See, and to the way he has diligently gathered and listened to the faithful in the Diocese of Achonry particularly – laity, religious, and clergy – and reported on these consultations to the Holy See, that the Holy Father has determined that this is the right moment to appoint Bishop Doran as the new Bishop of Achonry, and, at the same time, to unite the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin in persona episcopi – in the person of the Bishop.

This positive development allows both dioceses to preserve their individual identities while having the same Bishop.  It also allows for consultative bodies, such as the Achonry Council of Priests, to be established and vacant offices – such as that of Vicar General – to be filled.

I wish to congratulate Bishop Kevin on his appointment today, and I pray that God will bless all his endeavours as he attends to the governance and pastoral care of the faithful in the Diocese of Achonry.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
I offer blessings and a promise of my prayers to Bishop Kevin Doran and to the people, religious and clergy of the Diocese of Achonry on the announcement this morning of Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Doran as Bishop of Achonry.  Bishop Kevin will continue to minister as Bishop of Elphin,  but from today both dioceses (Achonry and Elphin) are joined in persona episcopi (in the person of the Bishop). 

I pray God’s blessing on Bishop Kevin as he continues to work closely with the two dioceses to enhance pastoral care and renewal for the mission of the Gospel during this ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’, and beyond.

ENDS