The Diocese of Tucson welcomed its eighth bishop on Feb. 20th as James Misko was officially ordained in a ceremony attended by thousands at the Saint Augustine Cathedral.
After a year-long wait, the 400,000 Catholics in Southern Arizona now have new leadership. The ordination ceremony featured 20 bishops, 200 members of the clergy, and a cardinal speaking on behalf of Pope Leo.
"Not only am I God's, tuus sum ego, I am yours," Misko said during the service.
Misko has served the Catholic Church for decades, first as a priest and then as a vicar general in Austin, Texas. Pope Leo appointed him to serve as the next Bishop of Tucson in Dec. 2025.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, represented Pope Leo at the ordination ceremony.
"So, united with you as their shepherd, continue to grow as a living witness to Christ," Pierre said.
The ceremony marked the first episcopal ordination in Tucson in more than 70 years. Members of the diocese expressed their hopes for the new bishop's leadership.
"I would tell the bishop he's got a great diocese. He's got a lot of support and a lot of people who are looking forward to his leadership...just listen to them," said Deacon Andy Cordor.
Donna Medlock, visiting from the Austin, Texas diocese, offered her support for the new bishop.
"Godspeed, we'll be praying for him every day...and I know that he'll be praying for us," Donna said.
Misko concluded the ceremony with a message to his new congregation.
"Please pray for me, and know that I will be praying for you every day. God bless you all," Misko said.
