Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool, succeeding Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. Sherrington, currently an auxiliary bishop of Westminster, will be installed on May 27. The appointment was announced by the Vatican on April 5. Archbishop McMahon, who resigned after reaching the age of 75, was known for his pastoral outreach. Archbishop McMahon welcomed Sherrington, highlighting his gifts and deep faith.
29 days ago
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool 1. The announcement was made by the Holy See Press Office on Saturday, April 5, 2025 1. Archbishop-elect Sherrington will be installed as the tenth Archbishop of Liverpool on May 27 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King 1 3.
Born in Leicester in 1958, the 67-year-old Archbishop-elect Sherrington holds a master’s degree in mathematics from Queen’s College, Cambridge 1. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nottingham in 1987 1 3. Sherrington also earned a licentiate in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome 1. His experience includes lecturing in moral theology and serving as a parish priest 3. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster in 2011 1 3.
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, O.P., offered his resignation in 2024 after serving the archdiocese since 2014, reaching the age of 75 as required by canon law 1 3. During his time in Liverpool, Archbishop McMahon was known for his pastoral outreach to traditionalist communities 3. He ordained priests for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter using the pre-1970 rite of ordination 3.
Archbishop-elect Sherrington expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and requested prayers for the Pope's health 1 3. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, acknowledged Pope Francis' continued work despite recent health concerns 1 3. Archbishop McMahon welcomed the appointment, praising Sherrington as a man of deep prayer who loves the Lord Jesus and His Church 1 3.
The Archdiocese of Liverpool is one of the largest Catholic dioceses in England, covering the city and surrounding areas, including Wigan, St. Helens, Southport, and the Isle of Man 1. Archbishop-elect Sherrington acknowledged the archdiocese's rich heritage, including the English martyrs and Irish immigration 1 3. He looks forward to serving as its shepherd 1 3.
The Catholic Church affirms that the Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, possesses supreme authority over the Church, including the appointment of bishops and the direction of pastoral leadership . This authority is rooted in the belief that Christ entrusted Peter with the care of His flock, a responsibility that has been passed down through the papacy .
The Pope's authority extends to the selection and appointment of bishops, who are considered successors to the Apostles . According to Catholic doctrine, the Pope has the right to mandate the ordination of new bishops, ensuring they profess the Catholic faith . This role is crucial for maintaining the unity of the Church and ensuring that bishops are in communion with the Pope and each other . The Second Vatican Council affirms that the Pope's power of primacy over all pastors and faithful remains whole and intact .
Bishops, appointed by the Pope, are entrusted with the pastoral care of their particular churches . They are called to teach, sanctify, and govern their dioceses in communion with the Pope . This hierarchical structure ensures that the Church remains united in faith and charity, with each bishop serving as a bond between the faithful and the Supreme Pontiff . The bishops, as successors of the Apostles, work together with the Pope to continue the mission of Christ, the eternal Shepherd .
In summary, the Pope's authority in appointing bishops and guiding pastoral leadership is a cornerstone of Catholic ecclesiology. This structure ensures the unity of the Church, the continuity of apostolic teaching, and the proper care of the faithful . The appointment of Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool exemplifies this papal authority in action, reflecting the Pope's ongoing responsibility to provide shepherds for the Church .