Pope Leo has appointed Archbishop Francis Duffy, to minister simultaneously as Archbishop of Tuam and as Bishop of Killala.
News of the Episcopal appointment was made following Mass at Saint Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Co Mayo this morning, in the Diocese of Killala.
The two dioceses will be pastorally administered by Archbishop Duffy whose predecessor Bishop John Fleming served as bishop in the diocese of Killala for twenty-two years.
Archbishop Francis Duffy became the Apostolic Administrator of Killala almost two years ago; today's announcement formalises his role as Bishop.
Speaking to parishioners this morning he said "something new" was happening.
"For the first time, the Bishop of Killala is, at the same time, the Archbishop of Tuam, and in him both dioceses are united. The Church describes this as the union of dioceses in persona episcopi, in the person of the Bishop."
He noted that while the two dioceses remain distinct, with their individual identities preserved, they are governed separately, but share the same Bishop.
Almost two years ago, the Apostolic Nuncio outlined the broader structural vision for the dioceses in the West of Ireland - grouping of six dioceses known as the Metropolitan Province of Tuam.
Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, spoke of a gradual reorganisation, shared episcopal governance, strength through unity, and an eventual merging of dioceses.
Archbishop Duffy said it was important to note and emphasise that the Apostolic Nuncio framed the reorganisation "not as decline, but as strategic adaptation to evolving pastoral realities".
In a joint statement, Bishop Kevin Doran and Bishop Michael Duignan congratulated Archbishop Duffy.
They noted that uniting of both dioceses followed a similar pattern to the unification of the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora with the Diocese of Clonfert, and the Diocese of Achonry with the Diocese of Elphin.
"This is restructuring for renewal and we welcome it," they said.
Retired Bishop John Fleming of Killala also warmly congratulated Archbishop Duffy on the appointment.
