Pope Francis appoints new archbishop for Toronto
Posted February 11, 2023 11:42 am.
Bishop Francis ‘Frank’ Leo has been appointed the new Archbishop of Toronto.
Pope Francis confirmed Saturday the Montreal-born Leo would succeed Cardinal Thomas Collins as the leader of Canada’s largest Catholic diocese with more than two million followers and close to 400 priests at 225 parishes
Collins, who has served the archdiocese since 2007, announced his resignation as Archbishop of Toronto back on Jan. 16 following his 75th birthday – the age at which all bishops are required to submit their resignation. Following the installation of Leo, Cardinal Collins will become Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto.
“This was a most unexpected appointment, yet I have learned throughout my priesthood and service to the Church that God’s special plans for us unfold in unexpected moments that lead to tremendous blessings,” Bishop Leo said upon learning of the appointment. “I thank Cardinal Collins for his ongoing support and years of faithful and inspiring service to the Church.”
Born in Montreal in 1971 to Italian immigrant parents, Frank Leo entered the Grand Séminaire de Montréal in 1990 and was ordained a priest on Dec. 14, 1996. Father Leo served in different parish assignments in Montreal until 2006 when he accepted the invitation to enroll in the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome. In January 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Chaplain of His Holiness bestowing the title of Monsignor.
On Feb. 1, 2022, Monsignor Leo was named Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Montreal. Last July Pope Francis appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Montreal and his consecration as a bishop took place on Sep. 12, 2022.
Archbishop-designate Leo has taught, among other places, in Montreal, Ottawa, the United States, and Australia. He speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.
The new archbishop will be installed at a ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on a date yet to be announced.
