His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, as the new Archbishop of Tuam, Ireland.

He will replace retiring Archbishop Michael Neary.

“I wish to offer my prayerful good wishes to Archbishop Michael Neary on his retirement as Archbishop of Tuam.  My feelings are mixed, of course, as Archbishop Michael – currently the longest-serving member of the Bishops’ Conference – has never hesitated to offer friendship, support, and wise counsel to me and to many others. A natural teacher, I will miss Archbishop Michael’s many gifts and helpful insights,” said Archbishop Eamon is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland, and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. “I wish Archbishop-elect Francis Duffy every blessing as he prepares to succeed Archbishop Neary.  He brings many pastoral and administrative gifts to this task and will be missed by the people, priests, and religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois where he brought a gentle pastoral presence.  He has already made significant contributions to the Bishops’ Conference in the fields of finance and administration, Catholic education, liturgy, pastoral renewal, and adult faith development.”

Archbishop-Elect Duffy

Francis Duffy was born on 21 April 1958 in the parish of Templeport, Co Cavan to parents Mary Catherine Dolan and Frank Duffy.

He attended primary school at Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan.

Francis studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kilmore on 20 June 1982 in Saint Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, Co Cavan by Bishop Francis MacKiernan.

He taught at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and was appointed principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 1996.

After twelve years as principal Father Francis was appointed Diocesan Secretary and Financial Administrator and Chancellor.  During that time he was resident priest in the parish of Laragh, Co Cavan.  On 17 July 2013 he was appointed Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois with his episcopal ordination taking place on 6 October 2013 at Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone.

As a member of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Duffy is currently chair of the Council for Liturgy, a member of the Council for Education, as well as a member of the Commission for Worship, Pastoral Renewal, and Faith Development.