Comments by Cardinal
Séan Brady, Archbishop of Armagh on the appointment by Pope Benedict
XVI of Father Brendan Leahy as Bishop of Limerick
“I warmly welcome the news that the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Brendan Leahy as Bishop of Limerick. I congratulate Father Leahy and I wish him all the blessings and help he needs as he prepares to take on this new and challenging ministry.
I have known Father Leahy since 1982 when he came to the Irish College in Rome to continue his preparation for ordination to the priesthood. I know him to be a man of prayer rooted in strong faith and love for the Word of God which find expression in his generous service of people. I am confident that he has the ability, willingness and experience to give outstanding leadership to the priests and people of the Diocese of Limerick.
On behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, I thank him for his work as Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Ecumenism and as a member of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting and of its Theology Forum.
The crucial part he played in the organisation of the International Theological Symposium held in Maynooth in the days before the successful International Eucharistic Congress is a clear indication of the qualities which Father Leahy has in abundance.
I look forward eagerly to the important contribution I know he is going to make to the work of the Conference of Bishops.”