His Excellency Archbishop Paul Gallagher has returned to Liverpool to be installed as an Honorary Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter of Liverpool during a Capitular Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Archbishop Gallagher returned to the city from the Vatican in a brief visit from his role as the Secretary for Relations with States for the special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP.

Parishioners from across the archdiocese, including those from his former parish, attended the Mass.

On receiving the honour, Archbishop Paul declared: “In taking up the office of honorary canon of this Cathedral Church, I promise that I shall always remain in communion with the Catholic Church, both in the words I speak, and by my mode of action. With great faithfulness and diligence, I shall fulfil the duties which are mine regarding the universal Church and the Church in which I am called to exercise my service according to the prescriptions of the law.”

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon OP said: “It was a truly remarkable occasion welcoming +Paul back to his home diocese for him to receive this honour. We wanted to acknowledge the good things he has done in his career. He is still very much part of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, and this honour is one way we can show him that.”

Archbishop Paul is originally from Liverpool and was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Derek Worlock in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on 31 July 1977.

His first appointment was as assistant priest in Holy Name parish, Fazakerley, where his duties included chaplain to the then Fazakerley Hospital, now University Hospital Aintree.

Pope Francis appointed him as Secretary for Relations with States on 8 November 2014.