The Vatican is continuing to explore a possible merging of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe.
The future governance of the dioceses is being explored by the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor.
Leadership changes are in focus in the Derry Diocese this month as Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown submits his retirement letter to Pope Francis.
Canon law states that Diocesan bishops are expected to hand in their resignation when they turn 75.
Bishop McKeown will turn 75 on 12th April. In many cases, the Pope decides to allow a bishop to continue in their position.
The Diocese of Raphoe has been without a bishop for more than a year, since Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ moved from Donegal to the Diocese of Down and Connor.
The Net publication of the Derry Diocese reports that that Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor met with Bishop McKeown in March to discuss the future of the two dioceses, including the potential amalgamation of the Diocese with that of Raphoe.
The Archbishop explained that this was part of a broader consultation process overseen by the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome.
Regarding his approaching 75th birthday, Bishop Donal told the paper: “Canon Law says that I must offer my resignation when I reach 75.
“It is then up to the Holy Father to decide when my retirement begins.
“Often that would be when the new bishop is appointed.”
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