Pope Appoints New Bishop for Rochester Diocese
Pope Leo XIV has appointed New York Auxiliary Bishop John S. Bonnici as the next shepherd of the Diocese of Rochester, marking a new chapter for the Catholic community in upstate New York. The appointment was announced on Wednesday and comes as Bishop Bonnici succeeds Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, who has led the diocese for more than a decade and is approaching retirement age. The Diocese of Rochester serves a diverse Catholic population spread across urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas, encompassing roughly 306,000 faithful. The announcement was met with anticipation as the diocese continues navigating pastoral renewal, clergy support, and engagement with younger generations in a region shaped by both historic Catholic roots and modern social change.
Bishop Bonnici brings decades of pastoral and academic experience to his new role. Ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York more than thirty years ago, he has served in parish ministry, formation, and diocesan leadership before being named an auxiliary bishop in 2022. His academic background reflects deep engagement with theology and family studies, having earned advanced degrees from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in both Rome and Washington. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College and the Gregorian University, experiences that shaped his pastoral outlook within the global Church. Born and raised in New York, Bishop Bonnici’s early formation in philosophy and biology has often been cited as contributing to his thoughtful approach to ethical, pastoral, and cultural questions facing the Church today.
The Diocese of Rochester has faced significant challenges in recent years, including clergy shortages, parish restructuring, and the ongoing task of rebuilding trust and participation among the faithful. Church leaders have emphasized the need for steady pastoral leadership rooted in transparency, dialogue, and spiritual renewal. Bishop Bonnici is expected to focus on strengthening parish life, supporting priests and deacons, and fostering vocations while maintaining a strong commitment to safeguarding and accountability. His experience as an auxiliary bishop in one of the largest archdioceses in the United States has prepared him for the administrative and pastoral demands of leading a diocese with complex needs and varied communities.
The appointment reflects Pope Leo XIV’s broader emphasis on selecting bishops with both theological depth and pastoral sensitivity. By choosing a leader formed in parish life and academic reflection, the Pope has signaled continuity with a vision of episcopal leadership that prioritizes closeness to the faithful and attentiveness to local realities. As Bishop Bonnici prepares to take up his new responsibilities, Catholics in Rochester look ahead to a period of transition marked by hope, continuity, and renewed engagement. His leadership will play a key role in shaping how the diocese responds to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in the Church’s enduring mission of proclamation, service, and communion.
