Pope Francis Names Washington Auxiliary Bishop Michael W. Fisher Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Pope Francis named Washington Auxiliary Bishop Michael William Fisher the 15th Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, New York.
Wilton Cardinal Gregory made the following statement on the Holy See’s announcement:
“Today the Archdiocese of Washington is privileged to share a generous gift with the Diocese of Buffalo with Pope Francis’ appointment of Michael William Fisher to become the fifteenth Shepherd of that local Church. Bishop Fisher is an exceptionally compassionate and skilled servant of the Church. His distinguished history as pastor, Vicar for Priests, and member of our Pastoral Administration have prepared him well for his new responsibilities in that diocese. While we will miss his deft pastoral talents, they will be warmly welcomed by the faithful, religious, and clergy of the Diocese of Buffalo. May the Lord bring joy to his heart and to the hearts of the people who will welcome him.”
The Diocese of Buffalo will hold a virtual introductory teleconference and media availability with Bishop Fisher at 10 a.m. ET.
Bishop Fisher was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington by Cardinal James A. Hickey at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on June 23, 1990. He is currently one of three Auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington. He was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington by Pope Francis on June 8, 2018 and ordained to the episcopate on June 29, 2018 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Fisher’s installation will take place on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Buffalo.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is home to 163 parishes and missions, 34 Catholic elementary schools, 12 Catholic high schools, seven Catholic colleges and universities, and four Catholic Hospitals located in eight counties in Western New York. Bishop of the Diocese of Albany Edward Scharfenberger is currently the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo.
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