CNA Staff, Dec 28, 2020 / 07:00 am
Bishop Alberto Rojas succeeded Bishop Gerald R. Barnes Monday as the bishop of San Bernardino, California.
The Holy See press office announced Dec. 28 that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Barnes, who turned 75 on June 22.
The move paved the way for the succession of Rojas, who was appointed coadjutor bishop of the diocese on Dec 2, 2019. The 55-year-old Mexican-born bishop will now take charge of the fast-growing diocese, which was established in 1978 and serves more than 1.7 million Catholics.
Barnes, who has led the diocese for 25 years, announced in August 2019 his intention to retire at the age of 75, when diocesan bishops are required by canon law to submit their resignations to the pope.