Christ the King Church at Burnside, Christchurch, has been closed down, after an earthquake assessment report showed the church will not survive a significant earthquake.
Christchurch Bishop Michael Gielen announced long-time Christchurch Vicar-General Fr Rick Loughnan had been bestowed by Pope Francis the title of monsignor.
Father Graeme Blackburn had been drinking before he died from a blunt force head injury when his motorbike collided head-on with another vehicle and his helmet came off.