Seattle, Wash., Apr 29, 2019 / 13:30 pm
The new coadjutor archbishop of Seattle promised Monday to be a pastoral leader to Catholics in Washington state, noting that his ministry will focus on the principles of dialogue and accompaniment, in imitation of Pope Francis.
Archbishop Paul Etienne was welcomed to Seattle April 29, during a press conference hosted by Seattle's Archbishop James Peter Sartain. Etienne was appointed to serve as coadjutor of Seattle earlier the same day. As coadjutor archbishop, Etienne will immediately succeed Sartain upon his retirement.
Speaking to journalists at the archdiocesan chancery, both archbishops spoke of their gratitude to the Holy Father for making the appointment and of their enthusiasm for working together in the coming months.
Sartain said he had looked forward to "this happy news" for some months.