The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

The Catholic Church across Yorkshire's historic West Riding since 1878

Former Bishops

In 1850 Pope Pius IX announced the restoration of the English and Welsh hierarchy in the Apostolic Letter Universalis Ecclesiae.  He created thirteen new dioceses including the Diocese of Beverley and Dr John Briggs became its first Bishop.  In 1878 the Diocese of Beverley was divided into the Diocese of Leeds and the Diocese of Middlesbrough.  Bishop Robert Corthwaite, the then Bishop of Beverley, became the first Bishop of Leeds.

John Carmel Heenan

Born in Ilford, Essex, 26th January 1905; ordained priest on 6th July 1930; consecrated as Bishop of Leeds by the Apostolic Delegate, 12th March 1951; translated to the Archdiocese of Liverpool, 17th May 1957; translated to the Archdiocese of Westminster, 2nd September 1963; created Cardinal, 22nd February 1965; died 7th November 1975 and buried in Westminster Cathedral.