Bishop Nicholas Hudson Appointed as New Bishop of Plymouth

Plymouth, England, October 23, 2025

News Summary

Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson as the new Bishop of Plymouth, concluding a long vacancy in the diocese. With nearly four decades of experience, Bishop Hudson has previously served as an Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster. His appointment has been welcomed by key figures within the church, and he has expressed a commitment to enhancing the diocese’s community outreach. The formal installation is set for November 29, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface.

Plymouth, England – Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson as the new Bishop of Plymouth, ending a lengthy vacancy in the diocese. This appointment brings Hudson, who currently serves as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of St Germans in Cornwall, into a significant leadership role in one of England’s key Catholic communities.

Bishop Hudson brings to Plymouth nearly four decades of priestly experience, having worked in parish ministry, seminary formation, and diocesan leadership since he was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Southwark in 1986. He has served as an Auxiliary Bishop since 2014, gaining valuable episcopal leadership experience during his tenure.

Upon receiving the appointment, Bishop Hudson expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV and acknowledged the prolonged wait for a new bishop in the Plymouth Diocese. He stated his intention to listen, learn, and apply the strengths of synodality to enhance the outreach and presence of the diocese.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed Hudson’s appointment, commending his extensive experience and pastoral sensitivity. Canon Paul Cummins, who has served as Diocesan Administrator during the vacancy, expressed that this appointment is an answer to prayer and that Hudson’s skills will greatly benefit the diocese. Additionally, Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark has shared his delight regarding Hudson’s appointment, noting the bishop’s positive track record within the Archdiocese and his enthusiasm for promoting the Gospel.

The formal installation ceremony for Bishop Hudson is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary and Saint Boniface in Plymouth. This is a significant date as it follows a period of uncertainty for the diocese, which has been without a permanent bishop since former Bishop Mark O’Toole’s appointment as Archbishop of Cardiff.

The Diocese of Plymouth serves the Catholic community across Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, covering an area of 12,831 square kilometers (4,955 square miles). Hudson’s experience includes previous roles as Vice-Rector and Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome, as well as being the parish priest of Sacred Heart in Wimbledon.

Throughout his career, Bishop Hudson has taken on various responsibilities within the Bishops’ Conference, including the leadership of the Department for International Affairs and participation in the Holy Land Coordination Group. He has also been involved in international affairs, frequently attending meetings of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE). In 2024, he was elected as episcopal secretary for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Bishop Hudson is part of a family with five brothers and has an English father and a French mother. His educational background includes studies at Jesus College, Cambridge, and six years at the Gregorian University in Rome, where he focused on philosophy and theology.

During the vacancy period, the diocese was led by Canon Paul Cummins as Apostolic Administrator. The appointment of Bishop Hudson arrives after previous appointments faced challenges, with Christopher Whitehead’s installation being canceled due to a canonical issue, and Philip Moger stepping down prior to his installation. Hudson has expressed a commitment to deepening the diocese’s mission and outreach to local communities.

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Additional Resources

• Catholic News Agency: Bishop Nicholas Hudson Appointed as Bishop of Plymouth
• Wikipedia: Nicholas Hudson
• The Catholic Herald: Pope Leo Appoints Nicholas Hudson as Bishop of Plymouth
• Google Search: Bishop of Plymouth Nicholas Hudson
• Independent Catholic News: Nicholas Hudson Named Bishop of Plymouth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholicism
• Pillar Catholic: Starting Seven – October 21, 2025
• Google News: Bishop Nicholas Hudson
• Independent Catholic News: News on Plymouth Diocese
• Google Scholar: Bishop Nicholas Hudson
• Independent Catholic News: Bishop Interviews and Events
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Diocese of Plymouth

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