Bishop Stika on retirement of Archbishop Kurtz, appointment of Bishop Fabre

Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued the following statement on the appointment of Bishop Shelton Fabre to the Archdiocese of Louisville following Pope Francis' acceptance of Archbishop Joseph Kurtz's retirement:

"With great joy, and on behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville and Cardinal Justin Rigali, I extend my personal welcome and prayers for Bishop Shelton Fabre on his appointment by Pope Francis to become the next Archbishop of Louisville. I look forward to attending his installation Mass in the near future. I also want to extend my gratitude to Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, who now embarks on his richly deserved retirement. His leadership in our province and his past leadership as the second Bishop of Knoxville have been immensely important to our Church and to me personally.  May God bless both these men on their new endeavors."