Statement on Appointment of Bishop-Elect Douglas Lucia to the Diocese of Syracuse

Published on June 4th, 2019

Following is a statement of Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, on Pope Francis’ selection of Bishop-elect Douglas J. Lucia as the 11^th Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, succeeding Bishop Robert J. Cunningham:

“On behalf of the Catholic Conference staff, I congratulate Bishop-elect Lucia. We are so grateful to our Holy Father for this inspired appointment to the Diocese of Syracuse. Bishop-elect Lucia has been a beloved priest in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, and has had occasion to work at times with members of the Conference staff in a variety of capacities. His intellect, kindness and warmth have always made an impression, and all of us are looking to forward to getting to know him better and to work more directly with him as he joins the ranks of the New York State episcopacy.

“As we celebrate Bishop-elect Lucia’s new role, we give thanks to God for the ministry of Bishop Cunningham, who has faithfully served four upstate dioceses, including the last 10 years as Bishop of Syracuse. I trust he knows the great affection and respect I and the staff have for him, and we wish him many happy years of retirement from full-time ministry.”

The Catholic Conference represents the NYS Bishops in public policy matters.