Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Frank Leo as Archbishop of Toronto
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis (Frank) Leo, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Montreal, as the 14th Archbishop of Toronto. The archbishop-designate succeeds Cardinal Thomas Collins, who has served the archdiocese since 2007. The new archbishop will be installed at a ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on a date to be confirmed in the coming days. Following his installation, he will begin his assignment as shepherd of Canada’s largest Catholic diocese, comprising almost two million Catholics and 225 parishes.
We want to express our gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins for his leadership, fatherhood and spiritual guidance to our ministry. We were so blessed to have him always available for Vocations work through his Ministry as the Archbishop of Toronto. We wish you prayers and good health during your well-deserved retirement.
We would also like to welcome and pray for Archbishop Frank Leo as our new Sheppard of the Archdiocese. We are excited to work hand in hand with you as you start your new ministry. Please continue to keep these shepherds close in prayer in the days ahead.
Archbishop-designate Leo commented on the announcement: “It is with great humility that I accept this appointment from the Holy Father to serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto. I thank Pope Francis for the confidence he has placed in me. This was a most unexpected appointment, yet I have learned throughout my priesthood and service to the Church that God’s special plans for us unfold in unexpected moments that lead to tremendous blessings. I thank Cardinal Collins for his ongoing support and years of faithful and inspiring service to the Church. I invite the faithful of the archdiocese, a truly diverse and beautiful family, to please pray for me as I prepare to join them and journey together in celebrating and sharing the joy and beauty of our faith. Be assured of my prayers for all of you.”
Cardinal Thomas Collins offered his support for the new archbishop-designate:
“I offer my prayers, best wishes and full support for Archbishop-designate Leo as he prepares to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Toronto. His knowledge of the Church, both in Canada and around the world, as well as his unfailing service over many years, demonstrates his commitment to serve joyfully and faithfully. I invite the Catholic community in the archdiocese to join me in giving thanks to God as we pray for our new shepherd.”
Read more on the Archdiocese of Toronto blog.
Bishop Frank Leo says he is ready to continue to serve the Lord in his new ministry as Archbishop of Toronto. The Archbishop-elect will be installed in Toronto on 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, after being named to the post by Pope Francis on 11 February. The Archbishop-elect has a close connection to the Blessed Mother, having specialized in Marian studies during for his licentiate and doctorate in theology. His installation in the See will take place on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
Read more on the Vatican News website.
Discerning the signs of the times
Asked about his priorities for in his new ministry, Bishop Leo said, “I’m there to discern. I’m there to observe. I’m there to, first of all, take stock of what is already going on.”
He explained, “The Holy Spirit is the protagonist building up the Body of Christ, the first evangelizer. So what is the Holy Spirit doing? How is He present? How is He active?” The Archbishop-elect said it will be a priority for him and his collaborators to “discern the signs of the signs of the times.”
He added, “For me, the whole concept of charisms is key, the charisms that the Holy Spirit gives all members of the Body of Christ – clergy, laity, consecrated – helping everyone to discern and call forth a greater generosity and bringing those charisms to the larger community again, to build up the Body of Christ.”
“We are called to serve. That’s our whole life; it’s what Jesus did. It’s what our vocation is all about.”