Pope Francis Names Names New Archbishop of Detroit

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger

Pope Francis has named Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger as the new archbishop of Detroit.

The announcement on Tuesday appeared on the website of the  Archdiocese of Detroit, which represents six counties -- Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Monroe and St. Clair.

“The Archdiocese of Detroit is a Church steeped in rich history, vibrant ministries, and known for a committed clergy with a great passion for evangelization," Archbishop-elect Weisenburger said in a statement. "I am humbled to be called to serve such a noble Church. Despite the challenge of leaving my happy home in the Diocese of Tucson, I promise the good people of the Archdiocese of Detroit my all."

Weisenburger, 64, is the current bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona. He succeeds Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, 76, who has been chief shepherd of the Archdiocese of Detroit since 2009.

Vigneron will serve as apostolic administrator of Detroit until Archbishop-elect Weisenburger’s installation at a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit at 2 p.m. on  March 18.

Weisenburger is the sixth archbishop of the Detroit Arcdiocese.