Pope Francis has appointed Father Richard Laurenson from the Diocese of Hamilton as the new Catholic Bishop of Hamilton. The appointment was announced in Rome at 11pm New Zealand time tonight, Wednesday 25 October.

Pope’s climate exhortation a clarion call, say NZ Catholic bishops.

Apostolic Exhortation "Laudate Deum" of the Holy Father Pope Francis:

To all people of good will on the climate crisis.

The Catholic bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand have published new guidelines for the country’s 235 Catholic schools to support young people with regard to sexual diversity.

“We cannot live without Sunday” - With the recent lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions we are happy to extend an enthusiastic invitation for all Catholics of Aotearoa New Zealand to return to full and active participation in Sunday Mass.

Apostolic Letter “Desiderio Desiderativa” of the Holy Father Pope Francis:

To the Bishops, Priests and Deacons, to consecrated men and women, and to the lay faithful on the liturgical formation of the people of God.

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Michael Gielen as the new Bishop of Christchurch.

Bishop Gielen has been the Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland since March 2020.

He will be installed in his new role by July to replace the former Bishop of Christchurch, Paul Martin, who was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington in January 2021.

The path to New Zealand sainthood of missionary Mother Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert has been delayed with a Vatican medical council deciding a potential miracle attributed to her can be explained by medical science.

So I Leave my Boats Behind

Seven years ago, on the 13th of February 2015 I processed into the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a priest and processed out as a bishop, your bishop. Over the last seven years you, the people of the Diocese of Hamilton, the laity, religious and priests, have helped shape and form me as a bishop as I tried my best to respond to the Lord’s call to me in the various encounters, moments and challenges of the seven years.

Today the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has published its abuse statistics as part of its participation in the Royal Commission into Abuse in State and Faith-Based organisations. One of the reasons the Church asked to be part of the Royal Commission was our recognition that we have to be …

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop of Hamilton Stephen Lowe as the new Catholic Bishop of Auckland.

The appointment was announced in Rome at midnight New Zealand time.

Bishop Lowe replaces Bishop Pat Dunn, who has served since 1994.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Kia tau te rangimarie kia koutou

At midnight tonight, Pope Francis will announce that he has accepted Bishop Pat Dunn’s resignation due to the deteriorating condition of his eyesight and that he has appointed me as his successor as the Bishop of Auckland.