Rare Honours for Diocesan Priest

Thursday 30th October 2025

Father Barry Lomax, Diocesan priest and Force Lead Chaplain for Greater Manchester Police, has had the unexpected and extraordinary pleasure this month of meeting two Heads of State all within the space of a week.

During a pilgrimage to Rome for the Holy Year of Hope, a group of ten led by Fr Barry received the honour of being presented to Pope Leo XIV following the Wednesday General Papal Audience. Fr Barry described the presentation to the Holy Father as “the icing on the cake” after fulfilling the Jubilee tradition of visiting all four major Papal Basilicas in Rome.

Upon returning to Manchester, a further surprise awaited as it transpired that GMP Headquarters (HQ) would be receiving a visit from His Majesty the King. Following the recent terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue, His Majesty attended the scene of the incident to engage with the local community before travelling to GMP HQ. In attendance with representatives from the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services, Fr Barry was presented to His Majesty as Force Lead Chaplain alongside other faith leaders.

Reflecting on the convergence of two such momentous meetings, Fr Barry termed his experience “a rare privilege” and said he felt honoured to have met both leaders.