Archbishop John Sherrington has received the pallium from Pope Leo XIV during a special Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (29 June).

The pallium – a white woollen band worn around the shoulders– is a powerful symbol of the archbishop’s pastoral responsibility and communion with the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome, and the wider universal Church. It is given to metropolitan archbishops within their first year of office, during a liturgy rich in significance and tradition.

This year’s Pallium Mass took place above the tomb of St Peter in St. Peter's Basilica, with Archbishop John joining other newly appointed archbishops from around the world. The celebration was presided over by Pope Leo XIV, in what was one of his first major liturgies as Pope, having succeeded Pope Francis earlier this year.

As part of the tradition, the wool used to make the pallia was taken from lambs blessed by Pope Francis on the Feast of St Agnes (21January). The reception of the pallium is a sign of the Archbishop’s ministry as a shepherd in communion with the Successor of Peter, and a witness to the faith passed down from the apostles to the Church in Merseyside and beyond.

Please continue to pray for Archbishop John as he begins his ministry among us.

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