Pope appoints new Bishop for Ardagh and Clonmacnoise

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday named Father Francis Duffy, a priest of the Diocese of Kilmore, as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in Ireland.

Bishop-elect Duffy was born in Bawnboy, County Cavan, in the diocese of Kilmore, Ireland, on April 21, 1958. After initial studies at St. Patrick’s College of Cavan, he entered the Seminary of Maynooth where he took courses in Philosophy and Theology. Later he obtained two Master’s degrees: in History, from the National University of Ireland; and in Education and Management, from Trinity College, Dublin.

The Bishop-elect was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1982, for the Diocese of Kilmore.

After ordination he taught both History and Irish Language at St. Patrick’s College in Cavan, and later taught in the diocesan school of St. Felim in Ballinamore, where he later served as Dean.

Father Duffy was Secretary and Diocesan Chancellor from 2008-2012.

At this time, having taken a sabbatical year to complete his Doctorate in Education, Bishop-elect Duffy has been assisting in the parish of Laragh and in the Church of St. Michael in Clifferna.

Bishop-elect Duffy succeeds Bishop Colm O’Reilly, whose resignation, submitted upon having reached the age limit, was accepted by Pope Francis.