GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – A priest from Nebraska has been appointed archbishop of the Denver Archdiocese. Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, 75, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Denver, and appointed Most Reverend James R. Golka, currently bishop of Colorado Springs, as his successor, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The announcement was made public in Washington, D.C. by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, marking a significant transition in leadership for one of the nation’s largest dioceses.
About the Archdiocese of Denver
The Archdiocese of Denver serves Catholics across 40,154 square miles of Colorado, making it one of the most geographically expansive dioceses in the country. The transition comes as the archdiocese continues its mission of pastoral care and spiritual formation across the state.
The New Archbishop
Bishop James R. Golka brings decades of pastoral experience to the archdiocese. Born in Grand Island, Golka is the fourth of ten children.
After graduating from Grand Island Central Catholic High School, Golka attended Creighton University from 1985 to 1989, where he earned degrees in philosophy and theology. He worked as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for Native American Missions in South Dakota from 1989 to 1990.
Golka then entered St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
Throughout his priesthood, Bishop Golka has served in numerous capacities, including as a parochial vicar and pastor in various parishes. Within the Diocese of Grand Island, he has held many leadership roles.
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