Pope Leo XIV Appoints First Irish Bishop Marking Historic Step in Church Leadership
A significant development in ecclesiastical leadership occurred with the appointment of Bishop Niall Coll as Bishop of Raphoe. This historic appointment comes after his recent tenure as Bishop of Ossory and is viewed as a remarkable milestone in the Irish Catholic Church.
Bishop Niall Coll’s Journey
Bishop Coll, aged 62, hails from Saint Johnston in east Donegal. His religious journey began with his ordination as a priest in 1988, following studies at Maynooth. Furthering his education, he studied in Rome and Trinity College Dublin, ultimately completing a doctorate in Rome.
Professional Background
- Previous roles include:
- Chaplain and teacher at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny.
- Chaplain at Pobalscoil na Rossan.
- Curate in Dungloe parish.
- Senior Lecturer at Saint Mary’s University College, Belfast since 2001.
- Parish Priest of Drumholm in 2020.
- Parish Priest of Tawnawilly in 2021.
Appointment Highlights
Bishop Coll’s appointment as Bishop of Ossory was made by Pope Francis, announced on October 28, 2022. Following this, he was ordained as Bishop on January 22, 2023, in a ceremony led by Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin.
Archbishop Eamon Martin extended his best wishes to Bishop Coll, recognizing him as a beloved pastor within the Diocese of Ossory. Coll expressed deep gratitude for returning to serve in Raphoe, the place where his faith was initially shaped.
Impact on the Diocese
Bishop Niall Coll’s leadership is anticipated to bring a renewed spirit to the Diocese of Raphoe. His extensive background in education and pastoral care positions him uniquely to serve and guide the community.
This transition marks a historic step in church leadership, leaving a positive outlook for the future of the Diocese of Raphoe and the Irish Catholic Church as a whole.
