bishops

The Latest

Bishop-elect Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway. Courtesy photo.

Norway’s newest Catholic bishop is Cistercian monk Erik Varden

Sep 30, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

After 11 years, the Catholic Church in central Norway will have a bishop again.  Read more

Bishop Stephen Robson.

Scotland's Bishop Robson accused of plagiarism in dissertation

Jan 15, 2020

By JD Flynn

A Scottish bishop accused of committing plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation told CNA that while he never intentionally committed any... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square Dec. 4, 2019.

Pray that bishops, priests will manifest Christ's love, Pope Francis urges

Dec 4, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Bishops and priests have a duty to guard and protect the Catholics entrusted to their care; and they need the... Read more

Bishop Michael Bransfield. CNA file photo.

W. Virginia’s scandal-ridden Bishop Bransfield must make amends for ‘betrayal’

Nov 27, 2019

By Kevin J. Jones

The disgraced Bishop Michael Bransfield, former head of the Wheeling-Charleston diocese, should apologize to his victims of sexual harassment, apologize... Read more

Pope Francis meets with bishops in the Shrine of Blessed Nicolas Bunkerd Kitbamrung in Bangkok.

Pope to Thai bishops: Stand with the poor, the exploited

Nov 22, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis told bishops from Thailand and other countries in Asia Friday to stand with and intercede for their people,... Read more

Pope Francis at Mass for the repose of the souls of deceased bishops Nov. 4, 2019.

Remember the final judgement, Pope Francis says at Mass for recently deceased bishops

Nov 4, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis urged Catholics to meditation on the final judgement at a Mass offered Monday for the souls of cardinals... Read more

Bishop Richard Lennon. CNA file photo.

Cleveland Bishop Lennon dies at 72, remembered for love of Church

Oct 30, 2019

Bishop Richard Gerard Lennon died at the age of 72 on Tuesday, Oct. 29 after receiving the sacraments. His colleagues... Read more

The USCCB fall general assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 12, 2018.

US bishops’ conference to vote on president, action items at fall meeting

Oct 27, 2019

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be electing a new president, vice president, and committee chairs, and... Read more

Opening Mass for the synod of bishops on the family Oct. 8, 2015.

Richmond diocese to stop naming buildings after bishops

Jun 28, 2019

In the wake of recent sexual abuse scandals throughout the U.S., the Diocese of Richmond has announced that it will... Read more

Bishop Michael Bransfield. CNA file photo.

Bishops to return 'gifts' from West Virginia's Bishop Bransfield

Jun 10, 2019

Several bishops and other Church leaders have said they will return money given to them by retired West Virginia Bishop... Read more

Italian bishops with Pope Francis at CEI assembly May 20, 2019.

Pope Francis: Bishops who do not know their priests weaken the Church

May 21, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis said Monday that each bishop has a duty to have a strong, close relationship with his priests with... Read more

Cross of the Martyrs.

God will provide strength through persecution, new Filipino bishop says

May 9, 2019

A new bishop in the Philippines has called for Catholics to show courage in the face of violence and persecution.  Read more

Pope Francis walks in St. Peter's Square Sept. 12, 2018.

Vatican: Abuse summit to help bishops know 'what they need to do'

Jan 16, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Just over a month ahead of the much-anticipated February meeting on sex abuse, the Vatican said the summit’s goal is... Read more

Bishop Luciano Capelli, Bishop of Gizo, aboard his airplane.

The pilot bishop of the South Pacific

Jan 7, 2019

Known as the “flying bishop” of Solomon Islands, Bishop Luciano Capelli visits Catholics across dozens in islands by piloting a... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Vatican asks bishops to meet with victims ahead of February summit

Dec 18, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Organizers of the Vatican’s February meeting on sexual abuse have sent a letter to the participating bishops asking them to... Read more

Flags of China and Vatican City.

Chinese human rights activist on Vatican-China deal: 'A slap in the face'

Nov 27, 2018

Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng called the Vatican’s pact with China over the selection of bishops “preposterous” in a... Read more

Pope Francis offers a Mass for the repose of the souls of cardinals and bishops who died this year in St. Peter's Basilica Nov. 3.

Pope Francis offers Mass for souls of 163 deceased cardinals, bishops

Nov 3, 2018

By Courtney Mares

Nine cardinals and 154 bishops have died since November 2017, including Cardinal Bernard Law, the former archbishop of Boston, and... Read more

Mosque attack 'wreaks havoc' on religiously tolerant South Africa, bishops say

May 13, 2018

In the wake of a mosque attack that left one dead and two other critically injured, the Catholic bishops of... Read more

The ordination of bishops in St. Peter's Basilica on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2018.

If a bishop doesn't pray, he's not doing his job, Pope Francis says

Mar 19, 2018

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis marked Monday's Solemnity of St. Joseph by ordaining three new bishops, telling them prayer is a primary ecclesial... Read more

Demonstrators from Teens for Gun Reform, an organization of students in the Washington DC area created in the wake of February's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.

Bishops call for ‘common-sense gun measures’ after Florida school shooting

Mar 5, 2018

In the aftermath of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. that killed 17... Read more