Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady on the appointment of Father Raymond A Browne as Bishop of Kerry

In response to the announcement today that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop William Murphy and the announcement of the appointment of Father Raymond A Browne, as Bishop of Kerry, the following statement was issued by Cardinal Seán Brady, President of the Irish Bishops’ Conference:

“I wish to acknowledge the contribution that Bishop William Murphy has made to the work of the Bishops’ Conference and to the Diocese of Kerry.  Bishop Murphy has served the Bishops’ Conference for 18 years and he has served his diocese as priest and bishop for 52 years.

I warmly acknowledge Bishop Murphy’s work with the Bishops’ Conference Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development and with the Bishops’ Council for Catechetics which he Chaired with great vision.

I offer him my prayers and blessings and I wish him many years of good health and happiness in his retirement.”

“I want to take this opportunity also to congratulate Father Raymond Browne, from Elphin Diocese, on his appointment by Pope Francis today as Bishop of Kerry.

I have known Father Browne for many years and I am quite confident that he will prove to be an excellent and gentle pastor, a faithful teacher of the faith and a trustworthy and generous leader.  I wish him many blessings.

Father Browne will be well aware, I am sure, of the deep faith of the people of the diocese of Kerry and I have no doubt that he can count on their prayers and support as he takes on his new role as Bishop.”

Cardinal Seán Brady

Archbishop of Armagh