Pope Francis appoints Bishop Damphousse as Archbishop-elect of Ottawa-Cornwall

Pope Francis has ordered the merging of the Archdiocese of Ottawa and the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall in Canada to form the new Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. 

The Pope has named the current Archbishop of Ottawa, Terrence Prendergast, as it first Archbishop. In addition, the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Marcel Damphousse as Coadjutor Archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, transferring him from the office of Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie.

WHEN DOES BISHOP DAMPHOUSSE BEGIN HIS NEW APPOINTMENT?
Bishop Damphousse begins his new appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of Ottawa-Cornwall on June 16.

WHAT IS A “COADJUTOR” BISHOP?
A Coadjutor Bishop, as described in Canon Law 403.3, is given special faculties. He is very much like an Auxiliary Bishop who works side by side with the Bishop - with one major difference - when the Diocesan Bishop retires or dies, the Coadjutor Bishop immediately becomes his successor. The presence of a Coadjutor Bishop, therefore, ensures there is no period during which the Diocese is left without a Bishop.

HAS ANYONE BEEN NAMED THE NEW BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF SAULT STE. MARIE, AND WHAT HAPPENS NOW?:
No. At this time, Pope Francis has not named a new Bishop for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. Bishop Damphousse will remain the Administrator of the Diocese until his departure. Hopefully, more information will come from the Vatican regarding the appointment of a new Bishop.

Please keep Bishop Damphousse in your prayers during this time of transition for him.