The Catholic Church in Brisbane is preparing for a major leadership change, with Pope Leo XIV appointing Bishop Shane Mackinlay as the city’s new Archbishop.

He will take over from Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who is stepping down after 13 years at the helm of the Brisbane Archdiocese in Queensland.

Mackinlay has spent the past six years serving as the Bishop of Sandhurst, based in Bendigo, Victoria.

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His appointment marks a significant shift for the Brisbane community and for the man himself.

“I’m very conscious that I’m not from here. I don’t know the place,” he said.

“I’m going to have to do a lot of learning.”

He said he would be stepping into a “strong legacy”.

Archbishop Coleridge welcomed the announcement, praising Mackinlay as a thoughtful and capable successor who will bring “intellectual firepower to his ministry.”

The formal installation mass will be held on September 11.

His appointment comes at a time of change and challenge for the Church, with more Australians calling for greater openness and a stronger connection to modern life.