Now that Bishop Lawrence Persico submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV, what will happen next? Catholic Foundation staff had the opportunity at a recent meeting to gain insight to what’s involved in an episcopal transition from Father Christopher Singer, Chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, who is leading preparation efforts.
Practically speaking, for us it’s business as usual. “Bishop Persico continues leading the diocese as our bishop. No change there,” Father Singer shared. In the meantime, “the dicastery for bishops in Rome works together with the apostolic nunciature to look at the diocese that is going to be in need of a new bishop,” he explained. “They will look at the needs of that diocese and at candidates in the region who have the gifts and the skills necessary to best meet those needs. They will present to the Holy Father a slate of proposed candidates. Eventually a decision will be made.”
Noon Rome time is when new bishop appointments are announced on the Vatican website, which is 6:00 AM in the Diocese of Erie. On the day the new bishop is announced, there will be a news conference at Saint Mark Catholic Center, livestreamed and available for everyone. At that time the date of the new bishop’s ordination, or installation if he is already a bishop, will be announced, giving the diocese about 6-8 weeks’ notice of his arrival.
“In the meantime,” Father Singer encouraged, “continue offering the Prayer for a New Bishop that was distributed throughout the diocese at the beginning of Advent, and pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the dicastery and the Holy Father in choosing the next chief shepherd for our diocese.”
“We have been grateful for Bishop Persico’s endorsement of the Catholic Foundation, evidenced in the designated endowment he personally established five years ago,” says Lisa Louis, Executive Director. “His vision for the Foundation will continue to guide us beyond his pending, well-deserved retirement.”
Prayer for a New Bishop
O Almighty God,
Pour forth the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Father and those who assist him in the discernment of a new bishop.
May the one chosen have the strength to be a compassionate leader, who models humility and joy.
Grant him the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of the apostles, and the tenderness of your Son, the Good Shepherd.
We also pray for the Diocese of Erie that he is called to serve.
May we welcome him with open hearts and work with him in a spirit of synodality, called to listen, collaborate, and build unity.
Through the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, Saint Joseph, the protector of the Church, and Saint Patrick, the patron of our diocese, may we journey the path of life with an unwavering focus on the hope we have in Christ.
For he lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Imprimatur, October 28, 2025
The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL, Bishop of Erie
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