Statement of Bishop Douglas J. Lucia on the Appointment of New Bishop of Rochester

Diocese of Syracuse
Appointment of new Bishop of Rochester
January 7, 2026
 
Statement of Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse
 
I join Catholics throughout the Diocese of Syracuse in welcoming to our neighboring Diocese of Rochester, Bishop John S. Bonnici, until now Auxiliary Bishop of New York. Along with Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, our Bishop-emeritus, and the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Syracuse, I assure him of our best wishes and prayers in his new role.
 
Bishop Cunningham and I would also like to congratulate Bishop Salvatore Matano, on the acceptance of his retirement and thank him for being such a good neighbor over the years. I certainly appreciate his kind solicitude towards me when I became the Eleventh Bishop of Syracuse and in the years since. Our Diocesan family prays that his upcoming retirement will offer him the opportunity for rest, recreation, and time to enjoy family and friendships. Bishop Matano is certainly welcome to spend some of that time in the Diocese of Syracuse!
 
May God continue to bless the Church of Rochester and under the care of their new shepherd may God continue to give success to the work of their hands.