Pope Leo appoints Nicholas Hudson as Bishop of Plymouth

Pope Leo has today appointed the Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson as the new Bishop of Plymouth, ending a long period of uncertainty in the diocese.

Bishop Hudson, until now an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of St German’s in Cornwall, is set to assume leadership of the Diocese of Plymouth and its pastoral mission across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1986, Bishop Hudson entered episcopal ministry in 2014 and brings nearly four decades of priestly experience in parish work, seminary formation and diocesan leadership.

His appointment follows a series of delayed or withdrawn nominations for the Plymouth see that left the diocese effectively without a settled bishop for an extended period.

The vacancy arose when Bishop Mark O’Toole was appointed Archbishop of Cardiff, prompting a succession of episcopal nominations. In December 2023, Christopher Whitehead of the Diocese of Clifton was named bishop-elect, but his ordination was postponed in February 2024 after a canonical investigation.

Later, in September 2024, Philip Moger was appointed, only to step down in February 2025 citing unresolved personal issues. During this period the diocese remained under the governance of an apostolic administrator.

In a statement, Bishop Hudson said he was “deeply grateful to Pope Leo XIV” for entrusting him with the pastoral care of the diocese and “aware how long the clergy, religious and laity of Plymouth Diocese have waited for a bishop.” He added, “I come with a desire to listen and to learn. I hope we can apply all the strengths of synodality to discern together ways to deepen the diocese’s outreach, mission and presence to the people of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.” 

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, welcomed the appointment, calling it “most welcome news” for the diocese. “Bishop Hudson will serve the Diocese of Plymouth with great generosity and sensitivity,” he said, noting his “wide experience of the Church both at home and abroad.” The Cardinal added that Bishop Hudson’s departure from Westminster would be keenly felt, but that his new position was “an important ministry” to which he would bring “true service” and pastoral commitment.

The installation of Bishop Hudson as Diocesan Bishop will take place on 29 November 2025 at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth. Preparations are already underway for the ceremony, which is expected to draw clergy and lay representatives from across the West Country and beyond.

His appointment ends a vacancy of nearly two years without a resident bishop, during which the diocese was temporarily led by Canon Paul Cummins as Apostolic Administrator.

‍