Bishop George congratulates Bishop Treanor on appointment

Monday November 28th 2022

Bishop Noel Treanor.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, has congratulated the Most Rev Noël Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor, on his appointment by Pope Francis as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.

Bishop Treanor will continue to govern as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Down and Connor, as sede vacante, until he takes up appointment in Brussels in mid to late January 2023.

Bishop George said: “We offer our sincere congratulations to Bishop Noël as he prepares to take up his new role as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.

“He has been a valued friend to the Diocese of Connor over his 14 years as Bishop of Down and Connor and we will miss him greatly.”

Bishop Noël said he was honoured that His Holiness, Pope Francis, had appointed him as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union. “I have accepted this appointment and, with God’s grace, I will seek to carry out this mission which has been entrusted to me.”

Addressing his clergy and parishioners, Bishop Noël said: “Over the last 14 years, I have served you as Bishop in the Diocese of Down and Connor and it is with a very heavy heart that I take up this new appointment. I have so many fond memories of my time here and particularly of all the clergy, religious and the people whom I have met and who have supported me with their advice and expertise.

“I will always value and consider my time in Down and Connor as a blessing from God. I remember and am so grateful for your warm welcome upon my arrival in the diocese. It has been a privilege and a blessing to have been a Bishop with you and for you.”

Bishop Noël’s full statement