Pope Francis accepts resignation of Archbishop Schnurr

February 14, 2025

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Hospers native, Arcbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. His successor will be Bishop Robert G. Casey, auxiliary bishop of Chicago. The announcement was made Feb. 12, the same day Bishop Walker Nickless' resignation was accepted.

From the Archdiocese of Cincinnati website:

Pope Francis announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr from pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and has appointed Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Archbishop-designate Casey has been a priest for more than 30 years, having been ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994. He was ordained a Bishop in 2018 by Most Reverend Blase J. Cupich, Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago.

“Entrusted with proclaiming the joy of the Gospel, I answer the call of Christ to accompany all in the archdiocese on the journey of faith, so that together we may deepen our love for God and neighbor.”

ARCHBISHOP-DESIGNATE ROBERT G. CASEY

“It is with gratitude and humility that I accept Pope Francis’ invitation to serve the present generation of faithful in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. I am profoundly grateful to Archbishop Schnurr for his kindness to me upon receiving the news of my appointment. Please join me in continuing to pray for him,” said Archbishop-designate Casey. “As archbishop, my primary role will be one of discipleship. Entrusted with proclaiming the joy of the Gospel, I answer the call of Christ to accompany all in the archdiocese on the journey of faith, so that together we may deepen our love for God and neighbor.”

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr has served as the 10th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 2009. He was prevUSCCB photosiously Bishop of Duluth from 2001 to 2008. He was ordained a priest of his home diocese of Sioux City in 1974. As required by Canon Law, Archbishop Schnurr submitted his resignation to the Holy Father when he turned 75 on June 21, 2023.

With the announcement of Archbishop-designate Casey’s appointment, Archbishop Schnurr’s resignation has become effective. The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Schnurr as Apostolic Administrator. As such he will continue to govern the archdiocese until the installation of Archbishop-designate Casey. Archbishop Schnurr offers his support for the new Archbishop of Cincinnati:

ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati these past 15 years. Now, on behalf of the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, it is a great joy to welcome Archbishop-designate Robert Casey to his new home,” Archbishop Schnurr said. “Archbishop-designate Casey is highly regarded by the people and priests he serves, and I am pleased such a good man will be shepherding the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. My intention in retirement is to remain in Cincinnati, and to help in any way our new archbishop deems appropriate. I am confident that he will find the local church to be very welcoming and dedicated to the evangelization of our communities.”

Archbishop-designate Casey will be installed as the 11th Archbishop of Cincinnati at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati at a date to be announced.

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