Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ welcomes the Appointment of Bishop Michael Router as Bishop of Derry

Statement by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ on the Appointment by Pope Leo XIV of Bishop Michael Router as Bishop of Derry

As Bishop of Down and Connor, I warmly welcome the appointment of Bishop Michael Router by Pope Leo XIV this morning to our neighbouring Diocese of Derry. This appointment brings immense joy and a profound sense of spiritual renewal not only to the faithful of Derry but to the wider Catholic Church in Ireland.

Since his episcopal ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh in 2019, I have had the distinct privilege of working closely alongside Bishop Michael Router where I have witnessed first-hand his deep pastoral heart and his practical wisdom. Throughout this time, he has held particular responsibility as Chairman of the Council for Healthcare and as liaison Bishop with the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative. He has also served faithfully as a member of the Irish Inter-Church Committee and the Commission for Pastoral Care, underscoring his strong commitment to pastoral care and Christian unity.

Bishop Router takes up this appointment at a grace-filled moment for the Catholic Church in Ireland. In December 2025, Bishop Donal McKeown spoke of the future of the Diocese of Derry in his Pastoral Letter ‘Moving Forward Together in Changing Times’ outlining a courageous vision for structural, sacramental and spiritual renewal. Bishop Router brings tremendous personal charisms, a collaborative spirit, and a wide range of skills and experience to his appointment. With his proven background in adult faith development, synodal discernment and pastoral renewal, he will take forward the pastoral vision of the diocese with courage, faith and hope.

On this Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I solemnly entrust Bishop Router’s ministry to the maternal care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and I ask God’s blessing upon his service to the wonderful people, priests, and religious of the Diocese of Derry.

I also wish to extend my deepest and heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Donal McKeown, a son of the Diocese of Down and Connor, as he retires today as Bishop of Derry. His lifelong commitment to and advocacy for Catholic Education and Youth Ministry has left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come. It is my prayer that his retirement will be blessed with good health, profound peace, and the continued joy of the Lord.

Guím beannacht Dé air agus ar an phobal go léir.

+ Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ

Bishop of Down and Connor