Monsignor Stuart Hall has been appointed the next Bishop to the Military Ordinariate of Australia by Pope Leo XIV.
Photo: James Carrett
The Australian Defence Force has announced the appointment of Monsignor Stuart Hall as its new Catholic Bishop.
Monsignor Hall previously served as the Director-General of Navy Chaplaincy. He steps into the role with decades of dedicated service alongside Navy personnel. His extensive pastoral experience and deep understanding of military life will guide him in providing spiritual leadership to personnel across all branches of the Australian Defence Force.
Appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the Military Bishop of Australia, Monsignor Hall said the news came as a surprise.
“I was overwhelmed, shocked, like a deer in the headlights,” Monsignor Hall said.
“I knew that they were looking for a bishop, but then we get the phone call and you just get told, ‘The Holy Father has appointed you as Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Australia. Do you accept?’”
Despite his long career as a priest and Navy chaplain, Monsignor Hall said becoming a bishop was never something he had anticipated.
“You don't go into the priesthood for ambition,” he said.
“You come to serve wherever the Church sends you, and whatever comes your way, you do your best.”
'I actually felt when you talk to them, and when they talk to you with their various challenges, they felt free to open up a bit more and you could help them out as they negotiate the military world.'
Monsignor Stuart Hall
Monsignor Hall said his priority in his new role would be serving Catholic Defence members and their families, while also supporting veterans as they transition to civilian life.
Read full article from Navy News here.