Pope Francis appoints five new auxiliary bishops for Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago is set to see a significant increase in its number of active auxiliary bishops following the appointment of five new bishops by Pope Francis. The appointments, announced on December 20 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the U.S., will more than double the current number of auxiliary bishops in the area.

The newly appointed bishops are all experienced pastors. They include Bishop-designate Timothy J. O’Malley, Bishop-designate Lawrence J. Sullivan, Bishop-designate José María Garcia-Maldonado, Bishop-designate John S. Siemianowski, and Bishop-designate Robert M. Fedek. Their ordination is scheduled for early 2025, with a specific date yet to be announced.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for these appointments, stating: “Each has a solid and notable record of pastoral service rooted in their shared fidelity to the Gospel and their generosity in using their unique gifts for the good of the church and society.”

Bishop-designate O’Malley has been noted for his involvement in community initiatives such as leading a gun buy-back program that collected 166 guns last year.

Bishop-designate Sullivan's past includes an accusation from about 40 years ago regarding inappropriate behavior when he was 18 years old. After an investigation by the archdiocese found no substantiation for these claims, Cardinal Cupich reinstated him.

Bishop-designate Garcia-Maldonado moved from Mexico to the U.S. in 2001 and joined a program aimed at recruiting Latin American men discerning priesthood.

Bishop-designate Siemianowski spent nearly 25 years at St. Agnes Parish before moving to St. Juliana Parish due to language needs within his community.

Lastly, Bishop-designate Fedek completed his theological studies both in Poland and Chicago before being ordained in 2005.

These appointments come after Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey S. Grob was named archbishop of Milwaukee, leaving only three vicariates filled by active auxiliary bishops within Chicago's six vicariates.

Simone Orendain reports for OSV News from Chicago.