OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP
February 25th, 2025
To the Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
In a communiqué from Rome dated today, the Holy See announced that Pope
Francis has named me as Archbishop of Vancouver, succeeding the Most Reverend
J. Michael Miller. I am grateful to His Holiness for the confidence placed in me to assume
this new mission, and ask for the assistance of your prayers.
By God’s grace, I have had the extraordinary privilege to serve as your Bishop for
nearly eighteen years. I am thankful beyond words for the many occasions we have had
to work together in our portion of the Lord’s vineyard. Within my heart I hold a particular
appreciation for the priests, deacons, and consecrated women and men with whom I have
enjoyed a close collaboration. The Archdiocese of Edmonton is richly blessed with gifted
lay faithful, who readily and eagerly place their gifts at the service of the Church and her
mission. Thank you all for your witness to the joy that is ours in Jesus Christ.
I shall remain with you for the next few months of transition, the details of which
have yet to be finalized. My formal installation as Archbishop of Vancouver will likely
take place in the latter part of May.
Let us continue to hold the Holy Father in prayer. It is a matter of deep concern
for us all when our Pope, our spiritual father, is not well. May the Lord give him strength
and consolation in this time of serious illness.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Richard W. Smith