Bishop of Diocese of Norwich just retired. Who will take his place?

The most Rev. Michael Cote has retired after 21 years as Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich.

Cote announced his retirement in a Sept. 3 post on the Diocese’s website . Pope Francis accepted Cote’s letter of resignation, which he submitted on June 19, Cote’s 75th birthday.

“As I now transition to the role of Bishop Emeritus of Norwich, I want to express what a profound honor and joy it has been to serve as your bishop for over two decades,” Cote said to parishioners in his post on the Diocese’s website. “Leading the Diocese of Norwich, walking with you in faith, and ministering alongside so many dedicated clergy, ministry directors, and parishioners has been a true blessing in my life, one that I will always hold dear.”

At the same time he accepted Cote’s letter of resignation, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Christopher Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich. The Diocese confirmed that the next Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich will be appointed in due time by the Holy See.

In addition, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, the archbishop of Boston, retired on Aug. 5 after serving in that position for more than 20 years.

More: Norwich bishop in hospital after taking ill on Sunday

Highlights of Cote’s time as Norwich Bishop

In July 2021, the Diocese of Norwich filed for bankruptcy reorganization as part of its efforts to resolve several of pending lawsuits initiated by individuals who claimed they were sexually assaulted by at least two overseers at a former Deep River boarding school in the 1990s .

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the Diocese of Norwich sold 113.19 acres of property located at 1593 Route 32, Montville to the Mohegan Tribe . The property includes the Saint Bernard School.

In addition to the $6,550,000 sale price, the bid terms included an initial 20-year lease of the property to Saint Bernard School. Under the terms of the bid, the school will remain open.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Bishop of Diocese of Norwich just retired. Who will take his place?