EAST Lancashire’s Roman Catholics have a new leader.

Pope Francis yesterday appointed John Arnold as the next Bishop of Salford.

The Sheffield-born law graduate was ordained as a priest in 1983.

Later this year he will succeed Terence Brain as the 11th Bishop of Salford, and leader of thousands of East Lancashire Catholics.

The 61-year-old is currently an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Westminster.

Bishop Arnold said: “I accept the appointment with much trepidation.

“I have much to learn in this new experience, after 31 years of priesthood spent entirely in Westminster.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, said: “We shall miss him. His new diocese will welcome him and quickly come to appreciate his many gifts, his profound dedication and his generous spirit.”

Bishop Brain, retiring after 17 years in the post, said: “I welcome Bishop John’s appointment.

“He has great gifts to share with us and I have every confidence that he will be happy within the family of God of Salford Diocese.”