Pope Francis has appointed a new Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

Father Denis Nulty, 49 - the Parish Priest of St. Mary's in Drogheda in Co. Louth - will take on the role.

The diocese consists of Co. Carlow and parts of counties Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny and Wexford.

The former Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin - Jim Moriarty - resigned from the role in April 2010.

Former bishop welcomes appointment

Jim Moriarty has issued a statement today. In it he says; "I warmly welcome today’s appointment by our Holy Father Pope Francis of Father Denis Nulty of the Diocese of Meath as the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

I can assure him that the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is full of warm welcomes and it is blessed in its great numbers of faithful and gifted people. 

Over the past three years, the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin has been very ably administered by Monsignor Brendan Byrne and it is right to also acknowledge his service on this special day.

I join with the people, religious and priests of the diocese in praying for Father Nulty as he takes up his new responsibility and ask God’s blessings on him and on the diocese in this Easter time of renewal."

Cardinal Sean Brady sends blessings

Meanwhile, Cardinal Sean Brady has sent his congratulations to Fr. Denis Nulty, saying; “I wish Father Nulty many blessings as he takes on his new ministry amongst the people of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin – the home of Saint Brigid, and a place of vibrant faith today.

“I have no doubt that Father Nulty will receive a warm welcome in his new diocese and that he can count on the prayers of the people of the diocese.  I am sure too that he will take with him the prayers and good wishes of the people of the diocese of Meath, where he has served faithfully since his ordination.

“Today I also wish to acknowledge and thank the contribution of Monsignor Brendan Byrne to the Irish Bishops’ Conference since his appointment as Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in 2010”.