The Vatican has announced the appointment of three new bishops to dioceses across the United States, filling roles left by retiring prelates. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as well as the Dioceses of Sioux City and Norwich, will each welcome new episcopal leadership, according to the Holy See.
All three retiring bishops tendered their resignations upon reaching the age of 75, as required by Church law. Pope Francis has now accepted their resignations and appointed their successors to continue shepherding their respective dioceses.
Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Named Archbishop of Cincinnati
Pope Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Robert Casey of Chicago as the new Archbishop of Cincinnati, succeeding Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. According to the Vatican, Schnurr, who has led the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 2009, will step down following the acceptance of his resignation.
Casey, born in Chicago on September 23, 1967, pursued his studies at Niles College Seminary at Loyola University, graduating in 1989 with an English degree. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in 1994. Ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1994, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Casey has served in various parishes and was appointed an auxiliary bishop in 2018 by Pope Francis.
Expressing his gratitude for the new appointment, Casey stated, “With gratitude and humility, I accept this appointment” and emphasized his role as a disciple, saying, “Entrusted with proclaiming the joy of the Gospel, I answer the call of Christ to accompany all in the archdiocese on the journey of faith, so that together we may deepen our love for God and neighbor” (according to the Vatican press statement).
Archbishop Schnurr offered his support for his successor, stating that Casey “is highly regarded by the people and priests he serves, and I am pleased such a good man will be shepherding the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.”
Youngstown Priest Appointed Bishop of Sioux City
The Holy Father also accepted the resignation of Bishop Ralph Walker Nickless of Sioux City and appointed Father John Keehner, a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, to succeed him.
Keehner, born on November 19, 1965, in Youngstown, studied at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus before earning a master’s degree in biblical studies from Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West in Cincinnati. He later pursued further studies in canon law at the Angelicum in Rome.
Ordained a priest on June 12, 1993, Keehner has served in numerous parish assignments and held roles in the diocesan tribunal. Most recently, he was rector of Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.
Worcester Vicar General Named Bishop of Norwich
Pope Francis also appointed Monsignor Richard Reidy as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut. Reidy, who has been serving as vicar general of the Diocese of Worcester, will take over leadership in Norwich following the retirement of Bishop Michael Côté.
Reidy, born on May 30, 1958, in Worcester, earned a J.D. from Boston College in 1983 before discerning a vocation to the priesthood. He studied at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and later pursued advanced theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical North American College, where he earned a doctorate in sacred theology.
Ordained on June 25, 1994, Reidy served in various pastoral and administrative roles within the Diocese of Worcester, including vicar general and moderator of the curia. He also obtained a licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America in 2010.
Archbishop Christopher Coyne, who had been overseeing the Diocese of Norwich since Côté’s retirement, expressed confidence in Reidy’s leadership, stating, “I am confident that [Reidy] will be an excellent shepherd for the people of the Diocese” (according to Vatican sources).
A New Chapter for These U.S. Dioceses
As these three newly appointed bishops prepare to assume their responsibilities, the faithful in Cincinnati, Sioux City, and Norwich look forward to their spiritual guidance. Each bishop-elect brings years of experience and a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, ensuring that their respective dioceses continue to flourish in faith and mission.
