Archbishop Paul Coakley Elected New President of U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has elected Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City as its new president, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Church in America at a time of both internal reflection and national political tension. The election took place during the bishops’ fall plenary assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, where hundreds of bishops gathered to discuss pastoral priorities and the Church’s role in public life.

Archbishop Coakley succeeds Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who completed his term as president. The vote for leadership came at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States faces numerous challenges, from political polarization to pastoral vacancies in several dioceses. Many bishops are also seeking unity in how to engage with the current Trump administration, as Catholics remain divided over issues such as immigration, social justice, and national identity.

Born in 1955 and ordained a priest in 1983 for the Diocese of Wichita, Archbishop Coakley has served the Church for more than four decades. He was appointed bishop of Salina, Kansas, in 2004 by Pope John Paul II, and later became Archbishop of Oklahoma City in 2011 under Pope Benedict XVI. His episcopal motto, Duc in Altum, meaning “Put out into the deep waters,” reflects his commitment to faith-driven courage and missionary zeal, a phrase that was also a favorite of St. John Paul II.

The election was closely contested, with Coakley winning in a final runoff against Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas. After two initial rounds of voting among nine candidates failed to produce a clear majority, Coakley secured the presidency with a 128–109 vote. Bishop Flores was subsequently elected as vice president in a separate ballot.

Following his election, Archbishop Coakley expressed gratitude and humility. “I’m deeply humbled by the trust my brother bishops have placed in me,” he said in a post on social media. “Once again, the Lord is inviting me to put out into deep waters in calling me to accept this service and burden of leadership today.”

He also thanked the clergy, religious communities, and lay faithful of his archdiocese for their support. “I accept this new role in faith and with great hope,” he said. “I ask for the prayers of all who serve the Church that we may remain united in love, mission, and truth.”

Archbishop Coakley’s leadership comes at a significant moment for the American Church. The U.S. episcopate continues to navigate questions about its relationship with Rome under Pope Leo XIV’s developing pontificate, as well as its response to growing secularization, social inequality, and political division.

Before his election as president, Coakley served as secretary of the USCCB and chaired Catholic Relief Services, the bishops’ humanitarian aid organization that operates in more than 100 countries. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and has served on several national committees focusing on evangelization, family life, and global development.

The USCCB confirmed that a new election will be held to fill the now-vacant secretary position, with the elected bishop completing Coakley’s term through November 2027.

As he steps into his new role, Archbishop Coakley faces the challenge of guiding a diverse and often divided Church toward renewed faith, dialogue, and unity. In his first remarks, he offered a message of encouragement: “We move forward together, trusting in Christ, who calls us into the deep waters not to be afraid, but to believe and to serve.”