Bideford Catholic Churches

Appointment of Bishop-elect Philip Moger

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Philip Moger as the new Bishop of Plymouth

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Philip Moger as the new Bishop of Plymouth.

A priest of the Diocese of Leeds for over 40 years, Bishop Moger has, until now, served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster said:-
I congratulate the Right Reverend Philip Moger on his appointment as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. He will bring experience and wisdom to that diocese although his moving is a loss to the Archdiocese of Southwark. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Canon Paul Cummins who has led the diocese over the last two years. I thank him most sincerely for the contributions he has made not only to the Diocese of Plymouth but also to the working of the Bishops Conference of England in Wales.

On hearing news of the appointment Archbishop John Wilson, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, said:-  "On behalf of everyone in our Archdiocese of Southwark, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Philip Moger on his appointment by our Holy Father as the new Bishop of Plymouth." "Bishop Philip's many gifts, and his warmth and kindness, have been so very much appreciated during his 18 months with us as an Auxiliary Bishop. "We thank him for all he has done in Southwark and assure him of our prayers and best wishes for his new ministry. May Christ the Good Shepherd continue to bless him and all those he will serve."

Following the news of his appointment, Bishop Moger said: "I'm very honoured to be asked by Pope Francis to be the 10th Bishop of this great Diocese of Plymouth. I know that the diocese has been without a bishop for the last two years, so I am very grateful to Canon Paul Cummins, who has administered the diocese during the vacancy so ably and generously, and all who have supported him. I look forward to visiting and getting to know the clergy, religious and lay faithful in this beautiful part of the Lord's vineyard. "At the same time. I shall very much miss the Archdiocese of Southwark, where I've been privileged to minister for the last 18 months. The Archbishop, my fellow Auxiliary Bishop, clergy, religious and lay faithful quickly took me to themselves and gave me their love, friendship and encouragement."

Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Plymouth Canon Paul Cummins said: "We welcome Bishop-elect Philip to the Diocese of Plymouth as our new shepherd. The faith community of the southwest has been well-served by its predecessors, and we are confident that our Bishop-elect will continue their legacy. "Bishop-elect Philip, you have our full support as you prepare to join us here. We pray that all the saints of the Diocese of Plymouth walk with you each step of the way. Know that a warm welcome and our prayers await you as you take up your new role among God's people. We look forward to your arrival."

Episcopal Installation The date for Bishop-elect Philip Moger's Installation as Diocesan Bishop is Saturday 9 November at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth. Please click here to read Bishop-elect Phillip's biography