Pope Francis appoints Most Rev. Michael McGovern as Archbishop-designate

Most Rev. Michael McGovern

Pope Francis appoints Most Rev. Michael McGovern as Archbishop-designate

OMAHA—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George J. Lucas and appointed the Most Reverend Michael McGovern, Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, as the sixth Archbishop of Omaha.

Archbishop Lucas submitted his resignation in June 2024 as is required by canon law when a bishop reaches the age of 75. The Holy Father has appointed him apostolic administrator to govern the Archdiocese of Omaha until Archbishop-designate McGovern is formally installed on May 7, 2025.

Archbishop-designate McGovern, 60, will be introduced by Archbishop Lucas at a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. The press conference will be livestreamed.

In a statement, Archbishop-designate McGovern said he accepts the appointment “with gratitude and humility.”

“I am very grateful to the clergy and people of southern Illinois for their support and the many ways they have shared their faith with me over the past five years,” McGovern said. “I look forward to meeting the clergy and faithful in the Archdiocese of Omaha. The Church in Omaha has a great reputation for supporting Catholic education, including many parochial schools, high schools, and two Catholic universities. I look forward to learning more about the many ministries carried out and how I can support them.”

Archbishop-designate McGovern has led the Diocese of Belleville since 2020. Prior to his consecration and installation as bishop, Archbishop-designate McGovern served as a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

During his 26 years in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Archbishop-designate McGovern served as associate pastor at three Chicago parishes, then as pastor of St. Mary in Lake Forest and finally as pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Old Mill Creek, Illinois. He also served in several administrative roles for the Archdiocese of Chicago, including as Vice Chancellor.

In a statement, Archbishop Lucas expressed gratitude for his time leading the archdiocese.

“It has been my privilege to serve as the Archbishop of Omaha for almost sixteen years,” Archbishop Lucas said. “It gives me great joy to know that such a good shepherd has been sent to guide us on our pilgrim way in the coming years. Please join me in praying for Archbishop-designate McGovern as he prepares to leave the people in the Diocese of Belleville whom he has served with such dedication and to make his home here in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”

Media Contact:
Riley Johnson
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