The Australian Catholic community has welcomed the appointments by Pope Leo XIV of two new Archbishops, marking a significant moment for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and Archdiocese of Hobart.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay, currently Bishop of Sandhurst, has been named the new Archbishop of Brisbane, succeeding Archbishop Mark Coleridge who retires after 13 years in the role and more than five decades of priestly service.

Archbishop Coleridge welcomed the announcement, describing Bishop Mackinlay as “an experienced pastor… attuned both to the big picture and the practical details,” and “well-suited to lead a diocese as large and complex as Brisbane.”

Born in Melbourne and raised in Ballarat, Bishop Mackinlay has a rich background in pastoral ministry, philosophy and theology. He has served in parishes, held academic leadership roles, and contributed nationally as vice president of the Fifth Plenary Council and a delegate to the Synod of Bishops.

“I am deeply honoured by Pope Leo’s decision to appoint me as Archbishop of Brisbane – a diocese that has such a strong tradition of fostering the liturgical, spiritual, evangelising and educational endeavours of the Catholic community, both within the Archdiocese and more broadly,” Bishop Mackinlay said.

Meanwhile, Bishop Anthony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, has been appointed the new Archbishop of Hobart, following the retirement of Archbishop Julian Porteous after nearly 12 years of service.

Archbishop-elect Ireland brings extensive experience from parish ministry, seminary formation, and health care chaplaincy.

Ordained a priest in 1987, he completed a doctorate in moral theology in Rome and later served as rector of Corpus Christi Seminary.

“With a heart full of quiet joy, I have received the news of this appointment, humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me to shepherd a diocese,” he said.

“As a parish priest, I found deep fulfillment in the pastoral relationships formed through shared faith and mission. I now look forward with great hope to walking that same path of grace with the people of Tasmania.”

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB praised both appointments, saying the archbishops-elect bring pastoral wisdom, theological insight, and deep faith to their new roles.

“We give thanks for their generous response to this calling and pray for God’s blessings on their leadership.”