Pope Francis names new Omaha Archbishop

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. 


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,” Bishop McGovern said in a statement. “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.” 


Bishop McGovern bio:
Most Reverend Michael McGovern was born on July 1, 1964, in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
He is the youngest child of the late Joseph and Eleanor McGovern. Bishop McGovern grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago where many of his family members continue living.

The McGovern family was active in Christ the King Parish and all of the children attended Christ the King Grammar School. Activities during grammar school included being an altar server at Christ the King.

Bishop McGovern then attended St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. During high school, he served as a Lector both at St. Ignatius and at his home parish, Christ the King.
Bishop McGovern attended Loyola University in Chicago (1982-86). At Loyola University he was invited to participate in the Honors Program and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1986.

After graduating from Loyola University, Bishop McGovern worked for four years before applying for admission as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Chicago at Mundelein Seminary. He was awarded a Baccalaureate degree in Theology in 1993 and a Master of Divinity in 1994.

On May 21, 1994, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin ordained Father Michael McGovern to the priesthood in Holy Name Cathedral. He served as an Associate Pastor at Queen of the Universe Parish, St. Mary in Lake Forest and St. Juliana in Chicago.

On December 15, 2004, Cardinal Francis George appointed Father McGovern Pastor of St. Mary in Lake Forest.

On July 1, 2016, Cardinal Blase Cupich appointed Father McGovern Pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Old Mill Creek, Illinois.

On July 22, 2020, Cardinal Blase Cupich ordained and installed Bishop McGovern as the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville in the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Bishop McGovern has also served in administrative roles in the Archdiocese of Chicago: Vice-Chancellor, Archbishop’s Delegate for Extern & International Priests, Vicar Forane, and Interim Vicar of Vicariate I. Bishop McGovern has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Ignatius College Prep (2013-2019). He is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.  Since 2021, Bishop McGovern serves as the State Chaplain for the Illinois Knights of Columbus.

He presently serves on the Board of Advisors for Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois and Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He is a member of the USCCB Subcommittee for Healthcare issues.

Bishop McGovern resides at the Rectory of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville, Illinois. 
On March 31, 2025, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend George Lucas and appointed Archbishop-designate Michael McGovern the sixth Archbishop of Omaha. He will be installed as Archbishop of Omaha on May 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Cecilia, Omaha, Nebraska.