His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Bishop Marcus Stock as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesbrough.
Following acceptance of the resignation, in accordance with Canon 401 §11, of the Rt Rev Terence Drainey as Bishop of Middlesbrough, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Marcus Stock as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, whilst retaining his current office as Bishop of Leeds.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has also appointed Canon Gerard Bradley as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Welcoming the news, Bishop Stephen Wright said,
“On behalf of our diocesan family, I offer my prayers to Bishop Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds who will additionally now serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesborough. We keep the people, religious and clergy in the dioceses of Leeds and Middlesborough in our prayers at this time of change.
“As he now retires after nearly eighteen years as Bishop of Middlesbrough, we thank Bishop Terence Drainey for his ministry. I know I speak also on behalf of my predecessors in thanking Bishop Terry for his friendship, support and prayers. We pray he enjoys his retirement.
“We also offer our prayerful congratulations to Canon Gerard Bradley who has been appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Together with my brother bishops I look forward to welcoming Canon Bradley to the Bishops Conference.
“We ask the Lord to continue to bless Bishop Marcus Stock, Bishop Terence Drainey and Bishop Elect Gerard Bradley.
May I wish you all a joyful Christmas.”