Winnipeg Archbishop Richard Gagnon, who began his vocation as a priest in Vancouver more than 40 years ago, is retiring at the age of 76.
His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis, and the Vatican announced on Dec. 30 that Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Keewatin-Le Pas will succeed him. Under canon law, bishops submit their resignation to the Pope, who may ask them to remain longer. Archbishop Gagnon turned 75 in June 2023.
Born June 17, 1948, in Lethbridge, Alta., Archbishop Gagnon completed seminary studies at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome and was ordained at Vancouver’s Holy Rosary Cathedral on June 24, 1983, by Archbishop James Carney. His early ministry included assignments as assistant pastor at St. Mary’s and Corpus Christi in Vancouver, followed by roles as pastor at St. Jude’s, Vancouver, and founding pastor of St. James in Abbotsford.
During his years in Vancouver, Archbishop Gagnon served as Vicar General, played a key role in diocesan initiatives, and was spiritual adviser to the Catholic Women’s League.
Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honour in 2002 and appointed him Bishop of Victoria in 2004. He was ordained by Vancouver Archbishop Raymond Roussin. Archbishop Gagnon’s contributions in Victoria included strengthening parish communities and enhancing faith-based education initiatives. In 2013, he was appointed Archbishop of Winnipeg by Pope Francis.
Archbishop Gagnon served on various CCCB commissions and committees. He was a member of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communications and the Permanent Council and the Bishops’ Working Group on Indigenous Initiatives. From 2019 to 2021, he served as the President of the CCCB. He also worked on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.
Archbishop Murray Chatlain, who studied the Dene language as part of his extensive work in northern dioceses and with Indigenous communities, will be the new Archbishop of Winnipeg. He brings a wealth of experience in justice and peace initiatives and pastoral outreach to his new role.
Born Jan. 19, 1963, in Saskatoon, Archbishop Chatlain was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Saskatoon in 1987.
In 2007, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of MacKenzie-Fort Smith and became bishop in 2008. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the pastoral outreach to Indigenous communities in the north, said the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in a statement.
In 2012, he was appointed Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, serving the faithful of Manitoba’s northern dioceses.
Archbishop Chatlain has also served in various leadership roles in the Canadian Church. He has been a representative on the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council, addressing the pastoral needs of Indigenous communities, as well as on the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
In 2020, he was elected President of the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops.
