Speaking after the Rubicon Justice conference in Dublin, organised by the Church of Ireland, the Pope’s representative said that while the number of appointments would not be as many as the six appointments made last year, “a significant number of bishops will be appointed”.
He said the obvious dioceses that were currently awaiting new bishops were Elphin, Derry and Waterford.
“We’re working as hard and as fast as we can, giving the necessary attention and prudence, to finding good and holy shepherds for these dioceses,” he said.
He explained that the appointment process involved him going through all of the responses and sending on recommendations based on this consultation with the clergy to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.
Pope Francis then made his choice in collaboration with this Vatican department.