Pope appoints a new Bishop

THE Pope has appointed Canon Christopher Whitehead as the new bishop of Plymouth. He replaces the Right Rev Mark O'Toole who moved to Wales in June 2022 to become archbishop of Cardiff and bishop of Menevia.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Canon Whitehead will become the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth, which covers Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The 54-year-old will be ordained in the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface in Stonehouse.

Born in Gloucester, he has a brother living in Plymouth, and has most recently been parish priest of St John the Evangelist in Bath, in the Diocese of Clifton, and was appointed a member of the Cathedral Chapter in 2020.

An art lover and film buff, the bishop-elect said: "With complete trust in the gentle, guiding hands of the Lord, I take up the appointment that our Holy Father Pope Francis has entrusted to me. This is not something I could have ever imagined and willingly give myself to where the Lord has called me to serve and with all I have to offer.