Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Michael R. Cote of Norwich and Appoints Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne as Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante

WASHINGTON – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Norwich. At the same time, he has appointed the Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne of Hartford, as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Diocese of Norwich.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 3, 2024, by Monsignor John Paul Pedera, chargé d’ affaires, a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The Diocese of Norwich is comprised of 1,978 square miles in the State of Connecticut and has a total population of 669,430 of which 228,520, are Catholic.

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