Pope Francis’ appoints a new Bishop
Pope Francis has appointed Canon David James Oakley as the thirteenth Bishop of Northampton. Bishop-elect Oakley served as Rector of St Mary’s College Oscott, a seminary in Birmingham for training priests for ministry in England and Wales, since February 2013. He succeeds the Right Reverend Peter Doyle whom he described as “a wonderful spiritual father and great pastor in Northampton”.
Bishop Doyle has worked closely with Bishop-elect Oakley during his seven years as rector of the seminary at Oscott, and knows him to be a man of faith and prayer, and a pastoral priest and wise teacher.
News and events from across the diocese
Plymouth pilgrims attend Adoreums 2026
Accompanying Bishop Nicholas Hudson, they joined a public Eucharistic Procession through the streets of London.
Bishops mark third anniversary of 7 October Hamas attack
Bishop Nicholas Hudson and Bishop James Curry mark the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks with a call for peace and reconciliation.
Bishop Nicholas backs “Welcome the Stranger” campaign
The Bishop signed a postcard following Caritas Plymouth’s presence at a national hand-in at Number 10, Downing Street.
