Arthur Roche

Arthur Roche (born 6 March 1950) is a British cardinal of the Catholic Church who has served as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship since 2021. He previously served as secretary of the congregation from 2012 to 2021. Prior to his service in the Roman Curia, Roche was Bishop of Leeds from 2004 to 2012. He served as coadjutor bishop of Leeds under Bishop David Konstant (2002-2004), and before that as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Westminster (2001–2002). He was appointed an archbishop when he joined the Roman Curia in 2012. On 27 August 2022, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Early life and ministry Arthur Roche was born in Batley Carr, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Arthur and Frances Roche. He attended St Joseph's Primary School, St John Fisher High School and Christleton Hall. From 1969 to 1975, he studied at St Alban's College in Valladolid, Spain, where he obtained a degree in theology from the Comillas Pontifical University. Upon his return to England, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop William Wheeler for the Catholic Diocese of Leeds on 19 July 1975.