Spokane, Wash., Jun 30, 2010 / 16:27 pm
Pope Benedict XVI made headlines in Washington state today by appointing Bishop Blase Cupich to the Diocese of Spokane and accepting the resignation of Bishop William Skylstad who has reached the age of retirement.
In a press conference this morning, Bishop Skylstad reflected on his years as leader of the Washington flock, saying he is “humbled to have had the honor of serving in the Diocese of Spokane as its bishop since April of 1990.”
“Although these years have not been without challenges, it has been a time of great joy in my life,” he added.
Speaking on the appointment of the new bishop, the prelate said that it “is with great joy I introduce to you today my successor, Bishop Blase Cupich, presently the Bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, who will become Bishop of Spokane when he is installed on September 3, 2010.”