The Church in Louisiana

Bishop Robert Marshall will serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport until the Pope appoints and installs a new bishop.

Bishop Marshall, who continues his current role as the Bishop of Alexandria, announced the appointment in a message to the faithful. He stated that he intends to minister to the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of North Louisiana while praying for the selection of a permanent successor.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis I. Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport and appointed Bishop Robert W. Marshall, Jr. as its Apostolic Administrator. The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, announced the decision in Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2026.

Bishop Marshall, who has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria since April 2020, will lead the Diocese of Shreveport until the Holy See appoints and installs a new bishop. Upon receiving the assignment, Bishop Marshall expressed gratitude to the Pope for entrusting him with the care of the diocese during this transition.

Bishop Malone submitted his resignation to the Pope in September 2025 after reaching the age of 75, as required by Canon Law. He served the Diocese of Shreveport from his installation on January 28, 2020, until the acceptance of his resignation.

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Marshall as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport. Marshall will serve in this new role while continuing his duties as the Bishop of Alexandria.