Pope Francis has appointed Fr David Waller as the next Ordinary and the first Bishop Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in the United Kingdom. Source: Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.
His appointment follows the Holy Father’s acceptance of the resignation submitted by Msgr Keith Newton, who has led the UK Ordinariate since it was established in 2011.
On hearing the news, Msgr Newton said: “I am delighted that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Fr David Waller as not only the second Ordinary of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham but the first to be in episcopal orders.“
“I have known Bishop-elect Waller for over 20 years. He was amongst the first group of Anglican clergy to be ordained to the Catholic priesthood under the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus in 2011.
“From its beginning he has been fully involved in the life of the Ordinariate and has served as chairman of its Governing Council and as Vicar General since 2020. He has been a wise and trusted confidant and is well known and respected by the clergy of the Ordinariate.”
Bishop Anthony Randazzo, Apostolic Administrator of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross in Australia, has welcomed the appointment of Bishop-elect Waller.
“Together with the clergy and Christ’s lay faithful of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and pledge our prayers for Bishop-elect Waller as he prepares to assume his new pastoral responsibilities.
“This moment of transition is celebrated across continents as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the United Kingdom.
“Joining me in this message of welcome is Bishop Steven Lopes from the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter in North America. Together we affirm our commitment to fostering close bonds of communion and cooperation within the Ordinariate ministry and mission in the Catholic Church.”
FULL STORY
Pope appoints new Bishop Ordinary for the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham (Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales)
Statement from Bishop Anthony Randazzo (Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross)
