Malooly issues statement on death of seventh bishop of Wilmington

The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, ninth bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, has issued the following statement on the passing of the Most Rev. Robert E. Mulvee, retired bishop of Providence, R.I., and seventh bishop of Wilmington.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, brother, and predecessor, Bishop Robert Mulvee. I had the pleasure of working with Bishop Mulvee as part of the Maryland Catholic Conference while I was serving in the Archdiocese of Baltimore during his 10 years’ tenure as bishop of Wilmington. The people of this diocese had a great affection and admiration for Bishop Mulvee, and he loved and cherished them. He was a dedicated and faith-filled leader who will be greatly missed. I join the Catholic community of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore in sending our heartfelt condolences to Bishop Tobin and the Catholic community of Rhode Island during this time of shared loss,” said Malooly.

Mulvee passed away Dec. 28 after a brief illness, at the age of 88. He was appointed the seventh bishop of Wilmington by Saint Pope John Paul II in April 1985. He served in that role until he was appointed coadjutor bishop of Providence in February 1995. He retired in 2005.