From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Pope appoints new bishop for Joliet diocese
Bishop Brendan Cahill takes over a Catholic diocese scarred by decades of abuse scandals and financial crisis.
In brief
Bishop Brendan Cahill takes over a Catholic diocese scarred by decades of abuse scandals and financial crisis. The Diocese of Joliet, one of the epicenters of the Catholic Church's sex abuse crisis, has a new leader tasked with rebuilding trust after years of secrecy and institutional failure. Originally reported by…
Pope names new Joliet bishop
Pope Leo the Fourteenth has appointed Bishop Brendan J. Cahill as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, overseeing about half a million Catholics across three Illinois counties.
Cahill comes from Texas
Cahill has served as bishop of the Diocese of Victoria, Texas since 2015 under Pope Francis. His installation Mass in Joliet is scheduled for November.
Focus on mental health and interfaith work
In Texas, Cahill prioritized mental health support, immigrant advocacy, and building relationships with Muslim and Jewish leaders.
Cahill's vision for leadership
At a press conference, Cahill said he hopes to be a shepherd who walks with people, leads people, and follows people.
“I hope to be a shepherd that can walk with people and beside people, and lead people and follow people.”
Joliet diocese scarred by abuse
The Diocese of Joliet was an epicenter of the Catholic Church's sex abuse scandal uncovered in the early two thousands. More than seventy priests and religious brothers are on the diocese's credibly accused list.
Attorney general criticized secrecy
In twenty twenty-three, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul slammed the diocese for refusing to disclose how much it spent on settlements related to child sex abuse accusations.
Former bishop closed churches
Bishop Ronald Hicks, installed in twenty twenty, moved to close multiple churches and schools as the diocese faced financial fallout from the abuse scandal.
Hicks promoted to New York
Pope Leo appointed Hicks as leader of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the most prominent roles in the Catholic Church. He was formally installed in February.
Cahill avoids abuse discussion
At the press conference, Cahill did not address Joliet's history of credible abuse reports or the diocese's financial difficulties. He joked about becoming a Chicago Bears fan instead.
“I have learned I'll be a Bears fan. It's a good time to be a Bears fan.”
Second-largest Catholic arm in Illinois
The Diocese of Joliet serves DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties, making it the second-largest Catholic organization in Illinois after the Archdiocese of Chicago.
First Illinois appointment by Leo
This is Pope Leo the Fourteenth's first bishop appointment in Illinois since becoming pope.
The key point
The Diocese of Joliet, one of the epicenters of the Catholic Church's sex abuse crisis, has a new leader tasked with rebuilding trust after years of secrecy and institutional failure.
