Pope Francis has appointed a new Bishop of Motherwell.
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joseph Toal to the post today. He is currently the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and has been Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Motherwell, which has been vacant in May 2013 following the resignation of Bishop Joseph Devine.
Bishop Toal said: "Over the past eleven 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."
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, the President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, 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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