NEWS RELEASE
ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO
************************* Pope Benedict XVI accepts resignation of Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic - appoints Edmonton Archbishop Thomas Collins as new Archbishop Of Toronto TORONTO, Dec. 16 - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, announced today that he has accepted the resignation of His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, 76, as the Archbishop of Toronto.
At the same time, the Holy Father has named Archbishop Thomas Collins, presently Archbishop of Edmonton, as the next Archbishop of Toronto.
He will become the 12th bishop and 10th archbishop of Toronto to lead the diocese since it was established in 1842.
Cardinal Ambrozic spoke of the Holy Father's appointment:
"I am most pleased to see that the Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Collins to lead the Archdiocese of Toronto. I have no doubt that he will be a responsible steward of the diocese, a faithful shepherd who will guide his flock for many years to come. I thank God for the privilege to serve as Archbishop and offer gratitude to the clergy and laity who have supported me during my time in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Be assured that you will always remain close to my heart and in my prayers."
Responding to his appointment, Archbishop Collins remarked:
"I am deeply honoured by the confidence the Holy Father has placed in me, calling me to lead the Archdiocese of Toronto, one of the most diverse dioceses in the world. At the same time, I must thank those whom I have served in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. I will always be grateful to them for their inspiring example of discipleship." Archbishop Collins, born in Guelph, Ontario, was ordained a priest in 1973.
He was named bishop in 1997 and appointed archbishop of Edmonton in 1999.
He has also served as rector of St. Peter's Seminary in London. The seat of the Archdiocese of Toronto becomes immediately vacant upon the cardinal's retirement.
On Monday, the College of Consultors of the Archdiocese of Toronto will convene to elect an administrator to govern church affairs for the interim.
Archbishop Collins' ceremony of installation will take place in early 2007. From Toronto to Midland, Oshawa to Mississauga, the Archdiocese of Toronto is the spiritual home to 1.6 million Catholics, celebrating mass at 223 parishes in more than 30 languages each week.
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