Bishop Philip Moger appointed as new Bishop of Plymouth

Archbishop John congratulates Bishop Philip on his appointment

Bishop Philip Moger has been appointed as the 10th Bishop of Plymouth by Pope Francis.

Bishop Philip will be installed in due course. He has served in the Archdiocese of Southwark since he was episcopally ordained here in February 2023.

In a statement congratulating Bishop Philip on the appointment, Archbishop John Wilson said:

On behalf of everyone in our Archdiocese of Southwark, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Philip Moger on his appointment by our Holy Father as the new Bishop of Plymouth.

Bishop Philip’s many gifts, and his warmth and kindness, have been so very much appreciated during his 18 months with us as an Auxiliary Bishop.

The Archbishop added:

We thank him for all he has done in Southwark and assure him of our prayers and best wishes for his new ministry. May Christ the Good Shepherd continue to bless him and all those he will serve.

Bishop Philip said he was very honoured to be appointed as Bishop of Plymouth:

I’m very honoured to be asked by Pope Francis to be the 10th Bishop of the great diocese of Plymouth. I know that the diocese has been without a Bishop for the last two years, so I am very grateful to Canon Paul Cummins, who has administered the diocese during the vacancy so ably and generously, and all who have supported him. I look forward to visiting and getting to know the clergy, religious and lay faithful in this beautiful part of the Lord’s vineyard.

Bishop Philip spoke of his fondness of the Archdiocese of Southwark:

At the same time. I shall very much miss the Archdiocese of Southwark, where I’ve been privileged to minister for the last 18 months. The Archbishop, my fellow Auxiliary Bishop, clergy, religious and lay faithful quickly took me to themselves and gave me their love, friendship and encouragement.

In November 2022, it was announced that Pope Francis had appointed Philip Moger as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Southwark. He was subsequently ordained as a Bishop by Archbishop John in February 2023 at St George’s Cathedral. Prior to that, he had held roles in Walsingham – as the Rector of the National Shrine – and as the Dean of Leeds Cathedral.

Please pray for Bishop Philip as he begins his new ministry with the diocese of Plymouth.