Historic Appointment : Pope names 5 new Auxiliary Bishops to Chicago Archdiocese

Pope Francis has appointed five new Auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Chicago, signalling a new chapter of pastoral leadership for one of the largest Catholic Dioceses in the United States.

The Vatican announced the historic appointments today, December 20, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the Church in Chicago, which has long been a hub of Catholic life in America.

The five new auxiliary bishops—Reverend Timothy J. O’Malley, Reverend Lawrence J. Sullivan, Reverend José Maria Garcia Maldonado, Reverend Robert Fedek, and Reverend John S. Siemianowski—are all clergy members of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Pope Francis has assigned each of them a titular see, further strengthening the pastoral leadership of Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, and the entire Archdiocese.

A Fresh Wave of Leadership

The appointments reflect the Holy Father’s ongoing commitment to bolstering the Church’s leadership in the United States, especially in large metropolitan areas where pastoral demands are great.

Each bishop-elect brings a wealth of experience from their pastoral work, administrative roles, and commitment to service in the local community.

In a statement, the Vatican Press Office highlighted the bishops-elect’s dedication to the archdiocese: “The new auxiliary bishops have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the pastoral care of the faithful, leading vibrant parishes, and contributing to the growth of the Church in Chicago. Their appointments will provide vital support to Archbishop Cupich as the archdiocese continues to serve a diverse and dynamic Catholic population.”

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Profiles of the New Auxiliary Bishops

Each of the newly appointed bishops has a deep connection to the Archdiocese of Chicago, having served in various roles over the years. Here’s a closer look at their backgrounds:

Monsignor Timothy J. O’Malley
A native of Evergreen Park, Illinois, Monsignor O’Malley brings a unique background to his new role, having worked as a lawyer and accountant before entering the priesthood. Ordained in 1997, he has served in numerous parishes, including Saint Agnes of Bohemia, Saint James, and Saint Genevieve. Since 2018, he has been the pastor of Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan. O’Malley’s broad experience in both the secular and spiritual realms will serve him well in his new role as auxiliary bishop.

Monsignor Lawrence J. Sullivan
Born in Chicago in 1966, Monsignor Sullivan has had a distinguished career in the archdiocese, serving as pastor at Saint Celestine, Saint Christina, and Christ the King. A seasoned administrator, he has also worked as the director of cemeteries for the archdiocese since 2017. With his extensive pastoral and administrative experience, Sullivan is well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of an auxiliary bishop.

Monsignor José Maria Garcia Maldonado
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, in 1979, Monsignor Garcia Maldonado has been a pillar of the Latino Catholic community in Chicago. He has served as pastor at Good Shepherd and San José Sanchez del Rio parishes. His fluency in both Spanish and English, coupled with his experience in both pastoral and diocesan leadership roles, makes him an invaluable asset to the archdiocese’s outreach to Hispanic communities.

Monsignor Robert Fedek
A native of Poland, Monsignor Fedek brings an international dimension to his role, having studied in both Poland and the United States. Since his ordination in 2005, he has served as parish vicar and pastor, as well as personal secretary to Cardinal Cupich since 2020. Fedek’s deep commitment to the archdiocese’s Polish community and his administrative acumen are notable assets that will benefit his new role as auxiliary bishop.

Monsignor John S. Siemianowski
Monsignor Siemianowski, born in Chicago in 1960, has been a dedicated servant of the archdiocese for over three decades. He has served in multiple parishes, including Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Kieran, and Saint Juliana, where he is currently the pastor. Known for his commitment to the pastoral care of his flock, Siemianowski’s extensive experience as a parish priest will serve him well as he steps into his new role.

A New Era of Leadership

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, expressed his gratitude for the appointments: “These new auxiliary bishops will play a vital role in supporting the pastoral needs of our archdiocese, particularly in the areas of spiritual care, outreach, and evangelisation. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to serve the diverse and dynamic Catholic community of Chicago.”

The appointments come at a time when the Archdiocese of Chicago, like many dioceses around the world, faces both challenges and opportunities in meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of its large and diverse community.

The new Auxiliary Bishops will assist Cardinal Cupich in overseeing the archdiocese’s many ministries, from education and social services to religious formation and community outreach.

The Titular Sees of the New Auxiliary Bishops

• Reverend Timothy J. O’Malley (Titular See of Numida) – Former pastor of Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan.
• Reverend Lawrence J. Sullivan (Titular See of Lamfua) – Former pastor of Christ the King Parish in Chicago.
• Reverend José Maria Garcia Maldonado (Titular See of Fallaba) – Former pastor of San José Sanchez del Rio Parish in Chicago.
• Reverend Robert Fedek (Titular See of Dardano) – Former personal secretary to Cardinal Cupich.
• Reverend John S. Siemianowski (Titular See of Gratianopolis) – Former pastor of Saint Juliana Parish in Chicago.