Pope accepts Detroit archbishop’s resignation, names Tucson bishop as successor

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and has appointed Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson, Ariz., as his successor.

Archbishop Vigneron has headed the Michigan archdiocese since 2009. He is one year past the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. Archbishop Weisenburger, 64, has headed the Diocese of Tucson since 2017.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington Feb. 11, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Archbishop Weisenburger will be installed as Detroit’s sixth archbishop during a 2 p.m. Mass March 18 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. In the interim, Archbishop Vigneron will serve as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.

“On behalf of all the people of God in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and in my own name, I extend to Archbishop Weisenburger a heartfelt welcome to his new home,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a statement. “I offer the assurance of our prayerful support as he comes here to take up the mission being given to him by our Holy Father Pope Francis.”

“The Archdiocese of Detroit is a Church steeped in rich history, vibrant ministries, and known for a committed clergy with a great passion for evangelization. I am humbled to be called to serve such a noble Church,” Archbishop Weisenburger said in a statement. “Despite the challenge of leaving my happy home in the Diocese of Tucson, I promise the good people of the Archdiocese of Detroit my all.”

He expressed gratitude to Archbishop Vigneron “for the warmth, kindness, and encouragement he expressed to me immediately upon learning of my assignment.”

“His generous assurance of a warm welcome and his desire to be of fraternal help to me is a true blessing,” the newly named archbishop said. “It is my hope that his retirement will be marked by length of years, robust health, and many rich blessings.”

The Archdiocese of Detroit covers 3,90 square miles and has a Catholic population of about 904,110 out of a total population of 4.3 million. It has 213 parishes and 81 Catholic schools.

This story was updated at 1:30 p.m.

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