New bishops appointed in Cincinnati, Sioux City, and Norwich dioceses

In Brief

Three U.S. dioceses receive new leadership following papal appointments announced in February 2025 official bulletin.

More Context

• Episcopal appointments are integral to the Church’s governance, ensuring pastoral leadership continuity in dioceses.
• Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s resignation from Cincinnati follows customary Church norms for retirement at age 75.
• The new bishops bring diverse pastoral experience from different regions, strengthening the U.S. Church’s leadership.

The Catholic Church continues its tradition of orderly leadership transitions with recent appointments in three U.S. dioceses.

The resignation of Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati, accepted by the Holy Father, marks a pivotal moment after years of pastoral service. His successor, Bishop Robert G. Casey, formerly an auxiliary bishop in Chicago, now assumes the role of Metropolitan Archbishop of Cincinnati. This appointment signifies a continuation of pastoral care and administrative stewardship in a major archdiocese.

Similarly, Bishop Ralph Walker Nickless’s resignation from the Diocese of Sioux City was accepted. In his place, John E. Keehner, Jr., a parish priest from Ohio, has been named the new bishop. This elevation reflects a measured choice likely rooted in him having significant pastoral experience within the American Midwest.

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Norwich welcomes Msgr. Richard F. Reidy as its new bishop. His background as vicar general of Worcester, Massachusetts, equips him with extensive diocesan administration experience, qualifying him to guide Norwich effectively.

These appointments follow the Church’s canonical norms for episcopal leadership, commonly motivated by canonical retirement age and pastoral needs. The transitions underscore the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to ensure spiritual guidance and continuity throughout local Churches. Each bishop brings a unique set of pastoral competencies, promising dedicated service to their faith communities.

While leadership changes might pass with little fanfare beyond ecclesiastical circles, their significance resonates deeply in the life of local Catholics. A bishop represents a visible sign of unity with the universal Church, charged with teaching, sanctifying, and governing.

These new appointments ask the faithful in Cincinnati, Sioux City, and Norwich to welcome their shepherds and support their mission. Their success will depend not only on their leadership skills but also on the collaboration and faith of the people they serve.

Sources

• Holy See Press OfficeOfficial Vatican bulletin detailing recent resignations and episcopal appointments in the United States.Holy See Press Office
• Resignations and ApointmentsAdditional appointment announcements including new bishops in England for broader context.Holy See Press Office
• Resignations and AppointmentsFurther Vatican episcopal announcements illustrating pattern of leadership transitions.Holy See Press Office
• Resignations and AppointmentsAdditional context identified by Exa: Summary: - The Vatican press office release titled “Resignations and Appointments” (01.05.2026) reports several ecclesiastical changes. - Key items: - Appointment: Archbishop.Press Vatican