Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Louisiana Bishop Francis Malone of Shreveport and Appoints Bishop Robert Marshall as Apostolic Administrator

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Francis Malone of Shreveport and Appoints Bishop Robert Marshall as Apostolic Administrator

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Francis I. Malone, age 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Shreveport. At the same time, he has appointed Most Reverend Robert W. Marshall of Alexandria, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport to serve until the appointment and installation of the new bishop.

September 15, 2026

WASHINGTON - Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Francis I. Malone, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Shreveport. At the same time, he has appointed Most Reverend Robert W. Marshall of Alexandria, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport to serve until the appointment and installation of the new bishop.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026, by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The Diocese of Shreveport is in the State of Louisiana.

USCCB Release