Cavan native appointed by Pope to dual clerical role

Bawnboy native, who has been Apostolic Administrator of Killala for nearly two years, now formally assumes the role of Bishop.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Francis Duffy to serve concurrently as Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Killala.

The announcement was made following Mass at Saint Muredach's Cathedral in the Diocese of Killala earlier today, February 23.

Archbishop Duffy, who has been Apostolic Administrator of Killala for nearly two years, now formally assumes the role of Bishop. He succeeds John Fleming, who led the diocese for 22 years. The two dioceses will now be pastorally overseen by Archbishop Duffy, marking the first time the Bishop of Killala has simultaneously held the position of Archbishop of Tuam.

Addressing parishioners at the cathedral, Archbishop Duffy described the moment as “something new.”

He stressed that while the dioceses remain distinct and retain their own identities, they share the same bishop and are governed separately.

Almost two years ago, the Apostolic Nuncio, Luis Mariano Montemayor, outlined a vision for dioceses in the West of Ireland, suggesting a gradual reorganisation of the six dioceses in the Metropolitan Province of Tuam.

Archbishop Duffy highlighted that this reorganisation is “not a sign of decline, but a strategic response to changing pastoral needs.”

A native of Bawnboy, Archbishop Duffy was born in 1958 and ordained a priest in 1982 after studying at Saint Patrick’s College. He served as Principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School (now Ballinamore Community School) from 1996 for 12 years, later becoming Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore, while also serving as assistant curate in Clifferna, Parish of Laragh.

Reflecting on his appointment, Archbishop Duffy said: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment. I invite you to join me, trusting in the Lord, as we move forward together into a future full of hope.”