Alexandria, La., Sep 21, 2016 / 10:46 am
The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop David Prescott Talley, currently auxiliary bishop of Atlanta and a former Baptist, to serve as the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria.
As coadjutor, Bishop Talley possesses the right of succession as head of the Diocese of Alexandria upon the resignation of its current ordinary, Bishop Ronald Herzog. Bishop Herzog will celebrate his 75th birthday – 'mandatory retirement' age for bishops – on April 22, 2017.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta said Sept. 21 that Bishop Talley "is a servant minister of our Church, who is graced with extraordinary wisdom, patience, kindness and dedication."
The bishop, he said, "developed these gifts as a priest and bishop here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, where he always cared for our people as a true minister of mercy and kindness. Thus, he now begins this new appointment with exceptional credentials."