Pope Francis Bishop Appointments: Latest News & Updates
Are you curious about the evolving landscape of the Catholic Church, and the leadership transitions shaping its future? Pope Francis's recent appointments of bishops across the globe signal a dynamic period of renewal and adaptation within the Church, impacting dioceses and communities worldwide.
The Vatican has been a hive of activity, with announcements streaming from various corners of the globe, detailing the Holy Father's choices for shepherding the faithful. These appointments are not merely administrative; they are pivotal in guiding spiritual growth, pastoral care, and the Church's mission in an ever-changing world. From the bustling streets of North America to the vibrant communities of the Philippines and India, Pope Francis is strategically placing leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Church today.
Here's a snapshot of some of the key appointments and events that have unfolded:
| Bishop | Current Position | Diocese Appointed To | Date of Announcement | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Bruce Lewandowski | N/A | Diocese of Providence | April 8, 2025 | Vatican City |
| Most Rev. Gregory Kelly | Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas | Diocese of Tyler | December 20, 2024 | Washington, D.C. |
| Bishop Bruce Alan Lewandowski | N/A | Diocese of Providence | April 8, 2025 | Vatican City |
| Reverend Scott E. Bullock | N/A | Bishop of Rapid City | N/A | N/A |
| Most Rev. Gregory Kelly | Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas | Diocese of Tyler | N/A | N/A |
| Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. | N/A | Diocese of San Pablo | N/A | Philippines |
| Rev. James Mark Beckman | N/A | Bishop of Knoxville | N/A | Tennessee |
| Fr. George Kolodziej, SDS | N/A | Bishop of Western Australia | January 6, 2025 | CNA Newsroom |
| Fr. Anthony Gerard Percy | N/A | Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Sydney | February 11, 2025 | Vatican City |
| Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. | N/A | Diocese of San Pablo | N/A | Lucena City, Quezon, Philippines |
| Bishop Robert Casey | Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago | Archdiocese of Cincinnati | N/A | N/A |
| Bishop Thomas D'Souza | N/A | Diocese of Vasai | November 9, 2024 | India |
| Archbishop | Smith | Archdiocese of Vancouver | February 25, 2025 | Vancouver, Canada |
Note: Data may vary based on the latest updates and official announcements from the Vatican and related sources.
Source: Vatican News
On April 8, 2025, the Vatican announced the appointment of Bishop Bruce Lewandowski as the new head of the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. This announcement highlights the ongoing efforts to fill key leadership positions within the Church. Further updates from the same day, April 8, 2025, also mentioned this appointment, solidifying its importance within the recent decisions made by Pope Francis.
In December 2024, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, announced the appointment of Most Rev. Gregory Kelly, the Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, to the Diocese of Tyler. This appointment, made in Washington, D.C., signifies the strategic placement of experienced leaders within crucial dioceses. The Catholic Diocese of Tyler also announced the appointment, underscoring the local impact of these decisions.
The United States has seen a wave of new appointments, as the Vatican announced on Wednesday that Pope Francis had appointed three new bishops to various dioceses. These included the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Dioceses of Sioux City and Norwich. This shows the Popes commitment to ensuring strong leadership across the country. The Holy See's announcements also revealed that the Pope seeks to address canonical irregularities, further highlighting the scope of his efforts.
In the Philippines, Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. was appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo. This diocese, situated in Laguna province, had been without a bishop since September 2023. This appointment aims to provide spiritual guidance and leadership to the local community. The appointment was made to replace Bishop Buenaventura Famadico who resigned due to health reasons.
India witnessed a significant round of bishop appointments and resignations in February 2023, with several dioceses receiving new leadership. Pope Francis also accepted the resignations of an archbishop and five bishops on the same day. This indicates a strategic restructuring of the Churchs leadership across the Indian subcontinent. The appointments and resignations were announced in Rome and simultaneously in India, underlining the global reach of these decisions.
On January 13, 2024, Pope Francis appointed bishops to five dioceses in India and an auxiliary bishop to one. Furthermore, he accepted the resignations of three bishops, a reflection of his active role in shaping the Churchs presence in the country. These decisions, spanning four Indian states, highlight the pope's commitment to the spiritual well-being of the faithful communities.
Further appointments included Rev. James Mark Beckman as Bishop of Knoxville, Tennessee. This was a critical appointment, made almost a year after the previous bishops resignation, indicating the Churchs resolve to address past issues and move forward. In Chicago, Pope Francis appointed Rev. Jos Maria Garcia Maldonado and Rev. Mark Siemianowski as auxiliary bishops, strengthening the leadership within the archdiocese. The appointment of Bishop Thomas DSouza to the Vasai diocese, announced on November 9, 2024, is another instance of the Popes commitment to the Indian faithful.
On January 6, 2025, the Vatican announced the appointment of Father George Kolodziej, SDS, as the new bishop of a diocese in Western Australia. This reflects the Popes global vision and commitment to supporting Catholic communities worldwide. Similarly, on February 11, 2025, Father Anthony Gerard Percy was appointed as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Sydney, further enhancing the leadership in that region.
These appointments are more than just replacements; they represent a strategic vision for the future of the Church. They reflect Pope Franciss commitment to addressing both the global and local needs of Catholic communities. Each appointment brings a unique set of experiences and skills, contributing to the diverse tapestry of the Churchs leadership. The ongoing updates regarding these appointments are essential for understanding the dynamic direction of the Catholic Church under Pope Francis's leadership.
