A former papal Master of Ceremonies to two Popes has been appointed caretaker of the Raphoe diocese following the move of former bishop Alan McGuckian SJ to Down and Connor.
Gweedore native, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie was announced as Diocesan Administrator on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old previously served as Master of Ceremonies in Rome to the late Pope Benedict as well as to current Pontiff, Pope Francis.
As part of his role, Fr Gillespie led the procession of cardinals into the Conclave in Rome’s Sistine Chapel which elected Pope Francis in 2013.
Bishop McGuckian became Ireland’s first Jesuit bishop when he was appointed bishop of Raphoe in 2017. He was appointed bishop of Down and Connor earlier this year, replacing Bishop Noel Traenor who became Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union.
A spokesman for the Donegal diocese said: “The Diocesan Administrator has a caretaker role to ensure the basic administration of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
“A native of Gaoth Dobhair, Monsignor Gillespie is currently Administrator of St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny. Previously, he served as curate in Baile na Finne and at St Eunan’s Cathedral before working for a period at the Congregation for Clergy in Rome.”
Monsignor Gillespie will remain as caretaker of the diocese until Bishop McGuckian’s successor is appointed by Pope Francis.
