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November 11, 2025The Pope has granted Papal knighthoods to two men from the Diocese of Paisley.
Barrhead born Sir Harry Burns, formerly Scotlands Chief Medical Officer and former Neilston resident and Director of the Catholic Media office, Peter Kearney.
At an investiture ceremony in St. Mirin’s cathedral in Paisley on Monday 10 November, Bishop John Keenan, installed both men into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory. Papal Knighthoods are reserved for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of the Catholic Church.
During the ceremony, Bishop Keenan commended both men for their work and their faith, thanking Sir Harry for his advice and support to Scotlands bishops throughout the Covid pandemic. He thanked Mr Kearney for his expertise in directing the church’s national communications for over two decades.
Front Row L to R:
Claudia Kearney, Peter Kearney, Bishop John Keenan, John Deighan, Sir Harry Burns, Senga Burns
Back Row L to R:
Canon Peter McGarry (St. Thomas’ Neilston), Fr. Dan Fitzpatrick (St. Joseph’s Clarkston), Fr. Joe Burke (St. Mirin’s Cathedral Paisley)