Pope Francis Names John Sherrington as Liverpool's New Spiritual Leader
Pope Francis has made a significant appointment by naming Bishop John Sherrington as the new Archbishop of Liverpool. This change in leadership comes as Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP steps down, having reached the traditional retirement age of 75 in 2024. Sherrington's appointment marks a new chapter for one of England's most prominent dioceses.
Born in Leicester in 1958, John Sherrington's path to leadership in the Catholic Church appears both inspired and grounded in solid academic and spiritual foundations. He earned a BA in Mathematics from the prestigious Cambridge University, before honing his theological expertise with a Sacred Theology Licentiate (STL) in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His ordination in 1987 set him on a path that saw him wear many hats, from serving as a parish priest to teaching moral theology.
In 2011, Sherrington was ordained as titular bishop of Hilta and subsequently fulfilled his duties as an auxiliary bishop of Westminster. His work did not end there. He took on roles as a lecturer at various institutions such as St. John's Seminary and engaged in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales’ Department for Social Justice. He was also involved as a trustee for several educational institutions, further showing his commitment to nurturing future generations of Catholic leaders.
As Archbishop McMahon steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of outreach, particularly noted for engaging with traditionalist communities. His approach included the ordination rites that hark back to pre-1970 practices, earning a respectful nod from various segments within the Church. As he prepares to hand over the reins, he expresses confidence in Sherrington's continued connection with the community and Church values. McMahon specifically highlighted Sherrington's 'deep prayer' and fervent love for the Church as those attributes that will carry the Liverpool Archdiocese forward.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols also lent his backing to the newly appointed archbishop. Describing Sherrington's past service, he commended his 'gifts, dedication, and utter generosity,' framing him as a caring and committed leader poised to take on the challenges and opportunities facing Liverpool's Catholic community.
Sherrington has voiced his commitment to advancing the archdiocese's stated goals, particularly through the synodal plan known as 'Together on the Road.' This initiative emphasizes unity and common purpose, aiming to address both interfaith efforts and the sustaining of Liverpool's rich cultural and religious heritage, which includes honoring the memories of English martyrs and accommodating large immigrant communities, notably from Ireland.
The official installation of Archbishop-elect Sherrington is scheduled for May 27 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. As he takes on his new role, the Liverpool Archdiocese, which encompasses a wide area including Liverpool, Wigan, St. Helens, Southport, and the Isle of Man, looks forward to this new era of leadership with anticipation of the spiritual revitalization and collaborative approaches that Sherrington is expected to bring.