News Release: Archbishop Michael G. McGovern Installed as 6th Archbishop of Omaha

Media Contact:
Riley Johnson
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Omaha
rmjohnson@archomaha.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2025

OMAHA, Nebraska – The Most Rev. Michael G. McGovern was installed as the 6th Metropolitan Archbishop of Omaha Wednesday at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha.

Approximately 1,000 attended the Installation Mass, which began at 2 p.m. Thousands more watched via livestream from across Nebraska.

“I am glad to be here with you in Omaha and look forward to meeting the people here in the months and years ahead,” Archbishop McGovern said in a statement. “Omaha has much to be proud of, and I look forward to hearing more from each of you about what makes you proud and what brings you hope for the future.”

“I also welcome the chance to meet people who, for whatever reason, no longer continue to practice the Catholic faith. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your stories and having an opportunity to pray together.”

Pope Francis on March 31 appointed then-Bishop McGovern of the Diocese of Belleville as the successor to Archbishop George J. Lucas.

During Wednesday’s installation, the new archbishop officially assumed his role when he sat in the cathedra – or bishop’s chair. Archbishop Lucas handed the crosier – or pastoral staff – to Archbishop McGovern, signaling the formal moment when Archbishop McGovern took over from now Archbishop-Emeritus George J. Lucas as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Omaha.

During his first homily, Archbishop McGovern encouraged those gathered and watching to bring the friendship of Jesus to those they meet in their daily lives.

“The poor, the defenseless unborn, the migrant struggling to find work, the people on the margins, we’re sent out to them and through our works of charity, love and solidarity they know the love of Christ,” Archbishop McGovern said in his first homily as archbishop. “We are sent out to embrace them in the name of Christ.”

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, had planned to be at the installation but is in Rome for the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died April 21. The conclave began today.

Archbishop-Emeritus Elden F. Curtiss of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island joined other bishops and religious leaders from across the country at the Installation Mass. Also in attendance were local dignitaries and members of the archdiocese, including members of clergy, Catholic schools, religious communities and lay organizations.

A link to an enhanced livestream of the Installation Mass can be found here.

The Archdiocese of Omaha is home to approximately 240,000 Catholics across 23 counties of northeast Nebraska.