Canada’s biggest Catholic diocese has a pristine archbishop.
Early Saturday morning, the Vatican introduced the appointment of Bishop Francis (Frank) Leo because the pristine Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Toronto, which stretches from Toronto to Georgian Bay and from Oshawa to Mississauga and has just about two million Catholics, about 400 clergymen, and 225 parishes .
Leo, ordained a clergyman on December 14, 1996 and made a monsignor in January 2012, prior to now served as auxiliary bishop of Montreal. Pope Francis appointed Leo Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Montreal in July 2022.
“It is with great humility that I accept this appointment from the Holy Father to serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto. I thank Pope Francis for the trust he has placed in me,” Leo wrote in a observation, thanking Cardinal Thomas Collins for his “continued support and years of faithful and inspiring service to the Church.”
“This was a most unexpected appointment, yet throughout my priesthood and Church service I have learned that God’s special plans for us unfold in unexpected moments that result in tremendous blessings.”
Leo requested the archdiocese to wish for him as he prepares to “join them in celebrating and sharing together the joy and beauty of our faith.”
“Be assured of my prayers for you all,” he mentioned.
This information comes simply weeks upcoming Collins introduced his leaving as Archbishop of Toronto. He resigned on January 16, the generation of his seventy fifth birthday. All bishops should hand of their leaving after they flip 75.
As soon as Leo is put in, Collins will turn out to be Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto. He rest a cardinal and, as a member of the School of Cardinals, can take part in a conclave and belong to all Vatican committees till his eightieth birthday.
Collins, who will proceed to are living within the Archdiocese of Toronto, used to be ordained a clergyman in 1973. He used to be appointed bishop in 1997 and put in as Archbishop of Toronto in 2007 ahead of being known as to the School of Cardinals in 2012. Collins prior to now served as Bishop of Saint Paul, Alberta and Archbishop of Edmonton, Alberta.
Archbishop-elect Leo, who speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish, is formally put in because the 14th Archbishop of Toronto at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. The occasion for this rite shall be showed within the coming days, the diocese mentioned in a press reduce.
“I extend my prayers, best wishes and my full support to Archbishop-elect Leo as he prepares to minister to the people of the Archdiocese of Toronto. His knowledge of the Church both in Canada and around the world, as well as his tireless service over many years, demonstrates his determination to serve joyfully and faithfully,” mentioned Collins.
“I invite the Catholic community in the Archdiocese to join me in giving thanks to God as we pray for our new Pastor.”
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