Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool, succeeding Malcolm McMahon. Sherrington, currently an auxiliary bishop in Westminster, will be the tenth Archbishop of Liverpool. Archbishop McMahon offered his resignation in 2024 after reaching the age of 75. Sherrington has been a bishop since 2011 and has held various roles within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Archbishop McMahon welcomed Sherrington, highlighting his gifts and deep faith.
27 days ago
Appointment of Archbishop Sherrington
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool 1 2. He will be the tenth Archbishop of Liverpool 2.
Archbishop McMahon's Tenure
Archbishop-elect Sherrington succeeds Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP, who resigned after reaching the age of 75 in 2024, as required by canon law 2. Archbishop McMahon served as Archbishop of Liverpool since 2014 and was previously Bishop of Nottingham 2. During his time, he was known for his pastoral outreach to traditionalist communities, including ordaining priests using the pre-1970 rite 2.
Archbishop-elect Sherrington's Background
Bishop John Sherrington was ordained a priest in 1987 2. He lectured in moral theology at All Hallows College, Dublin, and St John’s Seminary, Wonersh 2. He also served as a parish priest 2. In 2011, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster 2. As Auxiliary Bishop, he was responsible for the pastoral care of North London parishes 2. He has also been involved in various committees and organizations, including the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission and CAFOD 2.
Reactions and Installation
Archbishop-elect Sherrington expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and looks forward to serving the Archdiocese of Liverpool 2. He aims to build on existing foundations and bring hope to all people 2. Cardinal Vincent Nichols praised Bishop Sherrington's gifts and dedication 2. His installation is scheduled for May 27th at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King 2.
The Church defines criteria for episcopal appointments.
Criteria for Episcopal Appointments in the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has specific requirements for those considered for the episcopacy, outlined primarily in the Code of Canon Law. These criteria encompass personal qualities, age, experience, and academic qualifications .
Personal and Moral Qualities
A candidate for the episcopacy must be outstanding in solid faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence, and human virtues . They should also possess other qualities that make them suitable to fulfill the office . Having a good reputation is also essential .
Age and Experience
The candidate must be at least thirty-five years old . They need to have been ordained to the presbyterate (priesthood) for at least five years . These requirements ensure that the individual has sufficient maturity and pastoral experience before taking on the responsibilities of a bishop. The Third Council of the Lateran (1179 A.D.) also stipulated that a bishop should have reached the age of thirty and be born in lawful wedlock .
Academic Qualifications
Canon law requires that a candidate possess a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred scripture, theology, or canon law from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See . Alternatively, they should be truly expert in these disciplines . This requirement emphasizes the importance of theological and canonical knowledge for bishops.
Appointment Process
The Supreme Pontiff (Pope) freely appoints bishops or confirms those legitimately elected . Every three years, bishops of an ecclesiastical province or conference of bishops are to compose a list of presbyters suitable for the episcopate and send it to the Apostolic See . The pontifical legate seeks suggestions from various individuals, including the metropolitan and suffragans of the province, the president of the conference of bishops, members of the college of consultors, and other clergy and laity .
Additional Considerations
Bishops are invited to present their resignation to the Supreme Pontiff upon reaching 75 years of age . A diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office .
In summary, the Church's criteria for episcopal appointments are comprehensive, focusing on the candidate's moral character, experience, education, and suitability for the office, ensuring that those chosen to lead are well-prepared to serve the Church.