His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson as the new Bishop of Plymouth.
Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1986, Bishop Hudson has been an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of St Germans in Cornwall since 2014.
On hearing of his appointment, Bishop Hudson, Bishop-elect of Plymouth said:
'I am deeply grateful to Pope Leo XIV for appointing me; and I do not take lightly the trust he has placed in me. I am aware how long the clergy, religious and laity of Plymouth Diocese have waited for a bishop. I come with a desire to listen and to learn. I hope we can apply all the strengths of synodality to discern together ways to deepen the diocese's outreach, mission and presence to the people of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. I look forward greatly to meeting all who belong to the diocese.
'I ask their prayers for me as I prepare to be their bishop - as I most surely pray for them.'
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said:
'For the Diocese of Plymouth, the appointment of Bishop Nicholas Hudson to be their bishop is most welcome news. Bishop Hudson will serve the Diocese of Plymouth with great generosity and sensitivity, bringing to that leadership his wide experience of the Church both at home and abroad.
'I congratulate Bishop Nicholas on this appointment. He is eager to get started! Here in Westminster, we will miss him very much indeed. I thank him for the true service he has given to the people, the parishes, the priests and to his fellow bishops during his years with us. I assure him of our prayers, support and profound good wishes for his new and important ministry in Plymouth.'
Canon Paul Cummins, Diocesan Administrator, said:
'In this Jubilee Year of Hope, today's appointment of Bishop Nicholas is an answer to our prayers. Bishop Nicholas is a priest of some 39 years' experience in parish ministry, seminary and lay formation, diocesan, national and international leadership - this experience, alongside his pastoral gifts will serve him well in leading our diocese. We give thanks to the Holy Father for this appointment and look forward to Bishop Nicholas's arrival with joy and with hope.'
Archbishop John Wilson, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, shared his delight about the appointment:
'I am delighted to hear the joyful news that our Holy Father Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Nicholas Hudson as the next Bishop of Plymouth. Bishop Nicholas brings great experience as a former priest of the Archdiocese of Southwark, Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome, and Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster. His personal gifts and passion for sharing the Gospel of Christ will bring encouragement to the clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Church in Plymouth. As Metropolitan, it is a special pleasure to welcome Bishop Nicholas to the Province. I thank Canon Paul Cummins for his outstanding service as Administrator and join with everyone in the Diocese in praying for Bishop Nicholas as he prepares to take up the honour of being their shepherd.'
The date for Bishop Hudson's installation as Diocesan Bishop will be 29 November 2025 at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface, Plymouth.
