Archbishop of Montreal, Most Reverend Christian Lépine announces the new Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Dear Fellow Collaborators,
Dear Faithful in Christ,

I take great joy in announcing the appointment of Msgr Frank Leo, C.S.S., to the position of Vicar General and Moderator of the curia. Under the authority of the Archbishop, he will work closely with Bishop Alain Faubert, Vicar General and Pastoral Coordinator.

As Moderator of the diocesan Curia, Msgr Leo is called to ‘‘coordinate those matters which pertain to the treatment of administrative affairs,’’ to support staff members in the accomplishment of their tasks and to promote co-responsibility and collaboration (cf. CIC, canon 473, par. 2).

As one aspect of his responsibilities in the ‘‘coordination of administrative affairs,’’ he will take on, for the Archbishop, the role of ‘‘memory’’ of those legal acts undertaken by members of the Curia (persons, organizations, offices and services whose efforts support the Archbishop in the governance of the diocese).  Another aspect of his responsibilities will be to verify the quality of the services provided, to maintain good working relations among all persons in the Curia and to ensure compliance with the policies and processes in place within the archdiocesan offices in their service to the diocesan Church, to the communion and to the mission.

Born in Montreal in 1971 and ordained a priest for our archdiocese in 1996, Msgr Leo served in parish duties in Montreal until, in 2006, he embarked on a course of studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy for the diplomatic service of the Holy See (2008-2012). In January 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Chaplain of His Holiness (Chapelain de Sa Sainteté: C.S.S.).
Upon his return to Canada, he was appointed a member of the directorate of the Grand Séminaire de Montréal, training and accompanying candidates for the priesthood. In the fall of 2015, he became General Secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, which post he retained until the fall of 2021.

In addition to his extensive studies in Canon Law, diplomacy and international law, Msgr Leo’s other qualifications include a Doctorate in Theology, a Degree in Philosophy, a Diploma in classical studies  and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. He has taught, among other places, in Montreal (IFTM), Canberra (Australia), Dayton (USA) and Ottawa. He speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Msgr Leo took up his new position February 1. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide him, support him in his ministry and, by the grace of Jesus Christ, make his service bear abundant fruit for our diocesan family.

Our Lady of Ville-Marie, pray for us.

 
+ Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal