The Vatican announced today that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Pedro Bismarck Chau as a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, while accepting the resignation of Bishop Gregory J. Studerus.

Bishop-elect Chau, 57, currently serves as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Born in Managua, Nicaragua, in 1967, he brings a “diverse background” to his new role, including fluency in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

“His deep faith, considerable pastoral experience and love for the people of God will be a great blessing to our local Church,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, in a statement welcoming the appointment.

Chau holds degrees from Seton Hall University, including a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in professional counseling. He also earned theology and pastoral ministry degrees from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology before his 2008 ordination.

His pastoral experience spans parishes, youth ministry, campus ministry, and chaplaincy to the deaf. He has also served on the Priest Personnel Board and Council of Priests.

Bishop Studerus, 77, was appointed by Pope Francis in February 2020 and ordained that June. Despite stepping down from his official role, he will remain active in the archdiocese’s pastoral life.

Cardinal Tobin expressed gratitude for Studerus’s service, noting his “pastoral heart, wisdom and humble dedication have made a lasting impact on our local Church.”

As auxiliary bishop, Chau will oversee Hudson County parishes and Catholic institutions previously under Studerus’s care. He joins Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Michael A. Saporito, and Elias R. Lorenzo in serving the archdiocese’s 1.3 million Catholics.

Chau’s Episcopal Ordination Mass is scheduled for Septe.r 8, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with Cardinal Tobin as principal celebrant.

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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.