Pope Leo XIV has appointed New York Auxiliary Bishop John S. Bonnici to serve as the next bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, entrusting him with pastoral leadership of one of upstate New York’s historic Catholic communities.
According to Catholic News Agency, Bishop Bonnici, 60, succeeds Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, who is 79 and has led the diocese in recent years. The Diocese of Rochester serves approximately 306,000 Catholics across the upstate region of New York.
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Bishop Bonnici has spent more than three decades in priestly ministry within the Archdiocese of New York. He was named an auxiliary bishop in March 2022 after serving 30 years as a priest, bringing to Rochester extensive pastoral, academic, and administrative experience.
His academic formation reflects a deep engagement with theology, philosophy, and the life of the Church. According to the source, Bonnici holds a doctorate from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, earned in 1995, as well as a licentiate degree from the same institute in Rome, completed in 1992. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College and the Gregorian University between 1987 and 1990 prior to his ordination.
Born in New York on February 17, 1965, Bishop Bonnici earned bachelor of science degrees in biology and philosophy from St. John’s University in Queens in 1987, grounding his priestly vocation in both scientific and philosophical study.
His appointment comes as the Diocese of Rochester continues its mission of evangelization, sacramental life, and service amid ongoing pastoral challenges and opportunities. As bishop, Bonnici is expected to shepherd the faithful with fidelity to Church teaching and a commitment to spiritual renewal.
The Holy Father’s decision reflects continued confidence in Bishop Bonnici’s experience and formation as he assumes leadership of the Rochester diocese, guiding its clergy, religious, and lay faithful into the next chapter of its life and mission.
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