STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for Bishop Jeffrey Monforton’s 11 years of faithful support and pastoral leadership in the Diocese of Steubenville.

As the Diocese of Steubenville announced this morning, Pope Francis has named Bishop Monforton as the 32nd auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit. As an auxiliary bishop, Bishop Monforton will aid Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron in the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Pope Francis has also appointed Bishop Emeritus Paul J. Bradley to serve as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville effective immediately. Bishop Bradley served as the bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo for 14 years and auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Pittsburgh for five years before that.

“On behalf of the whole Franciscan University community, I want to express my deepest thanks to Bishop Monforton for his many years of pastoral support, care, and leadership,” said Father Pivonka. “We are so grateful for his frequent visits to our campus and for helping us form and educate joyful disciples of Christ by offering classes in theology to our students. It was a blessing to have our local shepherd minister to our students and celebrate Mass, not only celebrating official liturgies like our orientation and baccalaureate Masses, but also offering daily Masses for us in Christ the King Chapel whenever he could.”

The University awarded Bishop Monforton an honorary doctoral degree in 2014 in recognition of his enthusiastic, faithful, and compassionate leadership, his commitment to catechizing diocesan youth, and for his unwavering support and friendship with Franciscan University.

“I also offer a very warm welcome to Bishop Emeritus Bradley,” said Father Pivonka. “We look forward to meeting him and learning how our Franciscan community can support him in his new role. Please join me in praying for Bishop Monforton and Bishop Emeritus Bradley as they take on their new pastoral duties.”