Statements from Auxiliary Bishops of Washington on the Appointment of Bishop Knestout to Richmond
Statements from Auxiliary Bishops of Washington on the Appointment of Bishop Knestout to Richmond
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pope Francis today named Washington Auxiliary Bishop Barry C. Knestout as the thirteenth bishop of Richmond. He succeeds Bishop Francis DiLorenzo who served as Richmond’s bishop from 2004 until his death this past August. The following are statements by the auxiliary bishops of Washington on the news from the Vatican this morning:
“It was with great joy that I received the news that Bishop Barry Knestout has been named the thirteenth bishop of Richmond and I offer him my personal congratulations and assurance of prayers. I have known Bishop Knestout since my arrival in Washington over twenty-five years ago. Together, we have served as brother priests in pastoral ministry, but having been ordained to the episcopacy by the same bishop, I feel a particular closeness to Bishop Knestout. He is not only a kind and devoted priest who has served the Archdiocese of Washington faithfully, but a true shepherd of souls who will walk with his flock to spread the love of Christ to the glory of our Lord and the expansion of His Kingdom here on earth.”
“I wish to offer Bishop Knestout my heartfelt congratulations upon being named Bishop of Richmond. I have known then-Monsignor Knestout since the time I entered seminary for priestly formation. From my ordination as a priest, and now as brothers in the episcopacy, we have worked closely together to serve the faithful here in the Archdiocese of Washington. It is a joy working with Bishop Knestout to serve this local Church that is expressed through the cultural diversity of its faithful. The Diocese of Richmond will be gaining a most dedicated, faithful and pastoral leader and I assure him of my prayers.”
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