Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor Stuart Hall as Bishop to the Military Ordinariate of Australia.
Ordained priest in 1987, Bishop-elect Hall served for 22 years as a Navy chaplain in naval establishments throughout Australia and aboard fleet units, deploying on operational service, including to Timor-Leste and the Middle East.
In 2011, he was appointed Director General of Navy Chaplains and in 2023 he became Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, welcomed the appointment.
“The appointment to oversee the pastoral care of military chaplains is a recognition of the vital ministry they provide to the men and women who serve our nation,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Military chaplains accompany people in moments of challenge, sacrifice and uncertainty, offering spiritual support, hope and the compassionate presence of Christ.
“I am confident Bishop-elect Hall’s leadership, wisdom and pastoral experience will strengthen this important mission and ensure that those serving in the Australian Defence Force continue to receive dedicated spiritual care.”
Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn Christopher Prowse has been Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinariate.
“The Church has long recognised the unique demands placed upon members of the armed forces and their families,” Archbishop Prowse said.
“The appointment of bishop-elect Hall to this responsibility reflects the importance of ensuring that military chaplains are supported in their ministry of faith, encouragement and pastoral care.
“His considerable pastoral experience in parishes over the years will offer much spiritual depth. His extensive leadership in chaplaincy at the highest Australian levels will further deepen a culture of peace in our world so marked by peacelessness.”
Bishop-elect Hall said he looked forward to supporting the Catholic community within the Australian Defence Force, including members, veterans and their families.
“The ADF and its members are being called on to respond to many crises in this volatile global environment, but we must remember they are real people with real names and faces and there are real effects on serving families and veterans,” he said.
“It is important we understand the pressures they are under and for the Church to provide the presence of Christ in their service to the nation and their family life.”