DCDSB Welcomes Archbishop Francis Leo - Message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, the Mass of Installation for the Most Reverend Francis Leo took place at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto. His Grace, Francis Leo was appointed by Pope Francis as the 13th Archbishop of Metropolitan Toronto, which includes the Durham Region, succeeding Cardinal Thomas Collins who shepherded the Archdiocese since 2007. On behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board, we want to extend a warm welcome and offer our congratulations to Archbishop Francis Leo, as he takes up this new Ministry.  

Born in Montreal in 1971, Francis Leo comes to Toronto having most recently served as Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Montreal. The newly installed Archbishop commented, “It is with great humility that I accept this appointment from the Holy Father to serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto. I thank Pope Francis for the confidence he has placed in me. This was a most unexpected appointment, yet I have learned throughout my priesthood and service to the Church that God’s special plans for us unfold in unexpected moments that lead to tremendous blessings.”

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cardinal Collins for his 16 years of service as Archbishop of Toronto. We offer Cardinal Collins our prayers and best wishes as he embarks on his retirement.

As members of the Catholic community, we offer our prayers for our new spiritual leader, Archbishop Leo. May God bless him with strength, courage, and wisdom in the pastoral care of the faithful and ministry across the region.

Yours in Faith,

Monique Forster                               Tracy Barill
Chair of the Board                            Director of Education