Pope Francis today appointed Bishop Joseph Toal as the new Bishop of Motherwell.
Bishop Toal, 57, currently leads the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles and has been apostolic administrator of the diocese of Motherwell since May 2013.
On learning of his appointment he said: “Over the past 11 months, I have come to know the Diocese of Motherwell and appreciate the warmth and generosity of the clergy and laity, I look forward to deepening that relationship with them. While I am sad to be leaving my home diocese of Argyll and the Isles, I know the deep faith of the people there will sustain them as they await a new Bishop and I ask them to pray for me as I prepare to translate to the Diocese of Motherwell.”
His appointment to Motherwell leaves a vacancy in Argyll and the Isles, leaving two Scottish dioceses in need of bishops.
The Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, President of the Scottish bishops’ conference, said: “While sympathising with the priests and people of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles on the transfer of their much loved and respected bishop, I welcome the nomination of Bishop Joseph Toal as the new Bishop of Motherwell and I wish him every blessing in his new appointment.”
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