New Plymouth bishop named seven months after shock cancellation of first choice

The Pope has announced a new Bishop of Plymouth after the original choice was mysteriously cancelled earlier this year.

Francis has named Auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger of Southwark, formerly a priest of the Diocese of Leeds, to become the 10^th bishop of the diocese covering the south-westernmost region of England.

In December 2023, Canon Christopher Whitehead, a priest of the Diocese of Clifton, had been invited to become the bishop when the elevation of the Most Rev. Mark O’Toole as Archbishop of Cardiff and Menevia left the see vacant.