October 24, 2018
Following the apostolic visitation of June 2018 to the Diocese of Memphis and its Bishop, called for by the Holy Father, and after several efforts to restore peace and serenity within the same Particular Church, today his Holiness Pope Francis has relieved of his responsibilities as Ordinary the Most Reverend Martin D. Holley. Pope Francis has appointed as Apostolic Administrator His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, Metropolitan Archbishop of Louisville.
This appointment is effective immediately.
In a statement, Archbishop Kurtz said:
I humbly accept the appointment of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Memphis, while remaining Archbishop of Louisville.
I am eager to work with the priests, curia, and faithful of the Diocese of Memphis to promote stability, peace, and healing until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop. I have admired the Church in Memphis for many years, particularly from my time as Bishop of Knoxville.
I ask for prayers for Bishop Martin Holley as he departs from this local church and for the entire Church of Memphis. Let us pray for one another during this time of transition.
