Adelaide vicar general Fr Philip Marshall will take responsibility for the Adelaide archdiocese following the standing down of Archbishop Philip Wilson from his duties.
Archbishop Wilson stood down on 25 May upon his conviction for concealment of historical child sexual abuse.
Fr Marshall said one of his first priorities would be to “ensure we continue to be a Church where the safety of children is paramount and where survivors of abuse are listened to and supported”.
He will also work closely with the clergy and laity to keep the life and renewal of the archdiocese moving forward, he said.
Fr Marshall will be supported by the newly appointed adjunct vicar general Fr Anthoni Adimai SdM.
Meanwhile archdiocese’s chancellor Pauline Connelly has been appointed chair of the archdiocesan council for child protection.
She will act as the archbishop’s delegate in managing and dealing with matters related to professional standards, the police check unit and the child protection unit.