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Swiss bishop consecrated in formal ceremony

Felix Gmür has been installed as the new bishop of Switzerland’s largest Roman Catholic diocese.

He was handed the insignia by his predecessor, Kurt Koch, at a public ceremony in Olten on Sunday.






An estimated 1,000 people, including Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey as well as representatives of ten cantons and of other churches both in Switzerland and neighbouring countries, attended the service.

The 44-year-old was appointed bishop by the Vatican in November. Koch has been made cardinal and moved to Rome.

The ceremony took place in Olten as the cathedral in Solothurn at the seat of the diocese was damaged in an arson attack at the beginning of the month.

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