Pope Francis today appointed Bishop Richard James Umbers, former student the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy at the University of Navarra, as Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney ( Australia), assigning him the titular see of Tala.

Born on March 17, 1971, in Otahuhu, Auckland (New Zealand), he holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sydney (1993). He completed his programs of study at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome (1996–1999), and obtained a licentiate degree a doctorate in Philosophy from the Ecclesiastical School of Philosophy the University of Navarra (2002). His thesis “Virtue Epistemology in Linda Zagzebski,” supervised by Professor Enrique Moros, was defended on June 5 and received a grade A laude. That same year, he was ordained a priest at the sanctuary of Torreciudad.

Other jobs include chaplain at Redfield College, Dural (2005-2012) and at Kenvale College, Dural (2005-2012). Kenvale College in Randwick (2005-2006). He served as a professor of Ethics and Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney (2006-2013).

Francis has also appointed Bishop Anthony Randazzo as auxiliary bishop of Sydney, assigning him the titular see of Quiza. The episcopal ordination of both will take place in St. Mary's Cathedral on August 24.