Kilmore-Native Appointed Bishop of KIllala

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Francis Duffy, to minister simultaneously as Archbishop of Tuam and as Bishop of Killala.  The two Dioceses concerned, united in persona episcopi, will be pastorally administered by one Bishop. 

In a statement, Bishop Martin Hayes offered his congratulations to Archbishop Duffy on his new appointment:

I wish to congratulate Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam, the former Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, who has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as Bishop of Killala, an appointment which results in the Diocese of Killala and the Archdiocese of Tuam being united in the person of the bishop, in persona episcopi. 

In giving thanks for his contribution to Kilmore diocese, and his support as a member of the Episcopal Conference, I wish Archbishop Francis well as he takes up his additional responsibilities as Bishop of Killala.

Finally, I would like to wish Bishop John Fleming well in his retirement and to thank him for his welcome and friendship as a member of the Episcopal Conference.

Biography of Archbishop Duffy

Archbishop Francis Duffy was born in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, and was educated at Munlough National School, Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  He was ordained for the Diocese of Kilmore on 20 June 1982 at Saint Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, by Bishop Francis MacKiernan.   After eleven years as a teacher at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, two years were spent as a post-graduate student at Maynooth College and Trinity College, Dublin.  

In 1996 he was appointed Principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim.  After twelve years as principal, Archbishop Francis was appointed Diocesan Secretary, Financial Administrator and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore.  During the following four years, he was also served as assistant curate in Clifferna, Parish of Laragh, Co Cavan.  

On 17 July 2013, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois with his Episcopal Ordination taking place on 6 October 2013 at Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone.  

On 10 November 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Francis as Archbishop of Tuam with his installation taking place in Tuam on 9 January 2022. 

On 10 April 2024, Pope Francis appointed the Archbishop Duffy as Apostolic Administrator of Killala, following the retirement of Bishop John Fleming.  

Almost two years later, on 23 February 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Duffy as Bishop of Killala.  This appointment results in the Diocese of Killala and the Archdiocese of Tuam being united in the person of the bishop, in persona episcopi.