# Leadership transition in the Diocese of Derry

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transition-in-the-diocese-of-derry
> Updated: 2026-10-12T06:59:08.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Following the resignation of Bishop Donal McKeown, Michael Router was nominated by Pope Leo XIV to lead the Diocese of Derry. Router, formerly the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh, was installed as the new Bishop of Derry on September 20, 2026, at Saint Eugene’s Cathedral.

Shortly after his installation, Bishop Router announced a series of clerical adjustments and appointments within the diocese, scheduled to take effect on October 30, 2026. These changes include the appointment of new parish priests for several areas, the naming of administrators for Granaghan and Donagheady, and the reappointment of Vicars General. The adjustments also involve several appointments of Vicars Forane across various deaneries and the retirement of Rev Eamon McDevitt.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Bishop Michael Router announces clerical changes for Derry Diocese

Bishop Michael Router has announced the first set of clerical changes for the Diocese of Derry, effective October 2026, involving new parish priest appointments and administrative shifts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bishop-michael-router-announces-clerical-changes-for-derry-diocese

### 2026-09-14: Bishop Michael Router to be installed in Derry Diocese

Bishop Michael Router will be installed as the new Bishop of Derry this Sunday, September 20, at Saint Eugene's Cathedral.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bishop-michael-router-to-be-installed-in-derry-diocese

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Cite as: Leadership transition in the Diocese of Derry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leadership-transition-in-the-diocese-of-derry