Bishop Robert W. Marshall, Jr. Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Shreveport

The Holy See has appointed Bishop Robert W. Marshall, Jr. as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport. Bishop Marshall, who currently serves as the bishop of Alexandria, will govern the diocese during its current transition period.

The diocese is presently sede vacante, meaning the see is vacant, following the retirement of Bishop Emeritus Francis I. Malone. While a diocesan administrator is typically a priest elected by a local college of consultors, the Holy See appointed Bishop Marshall directly to oversee the diocese until the next bishop is named.

Bishop Marshall's assignment is temporary. The Vatican Dicastery for Bishops issued a decree specifying his authority to govern Shreveport while the diocese awaits the appointment of a new bishop by the Pope.