Bishop Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City was recently informed that Father Dennis G. Walsh from the Diocese of Toledo was appointed by Pope Francis as the new bishop for the Diocese of Davenport.
“The faithful of the Diocese of Davenport are blessed to have Bishop-elect Walsh selected as their next shepherd. I admire his history of faithful pastoral ministry in the Redemptorist order and the Diocese of Toledo. I look forward to working with him and my prayers are with him as he begins his ministry to serve the people of our neighboring diocese,” Bishop Nickless said of the appointment.
Father Kenneth Kuntz was appointed as administrator of the Davenport Diocese in October 2023 when then-Bishop Thomas Zinkula was installed as Archbishop of the Dubuque Diocese.
“I would like to thank Father Kuntz for his leadership during the interim period awaiting the appointment of a new bishop. He has led the people of the diocese with wisdom and grace,” Bishop Nickless said.
No successor has yet been selected to replace Bishop Nickless, who submitted his mandatory resignation to Pope Francis on May 28, 2022, Bishop Nickless’ 75th birthday. All bishops must offer their resignation to the Holy Father upon their 75th birthday and then wait until their successor is named.
Bishop Nickless added, “The clergy and the people of the Diocese of Sioux City congratulate Bishop-elect Walsh of Davenport and promise prayers for him.”