The role of the apostolic administrator ends when the new archbishop is installed. While serving as the apostolic administrator of Anchorage, I remain the bishop of Juneau. I look forward to ministering in the archdiocese and working with the clergy, religious, chancery staff and all of you.
Pope Francis named Juneau Bishop Andrew Bellisario as the temporary leader of the Anchorage Archdiocese until a new archbishop can be named to replace Archbishop Paul Etienne.
“My friends, it has been my sincere pleasure and privilege to serve her in Anchorage as your chief pastor and shepherd,” he said. “Let us continue to pray for each other, and above all, to pray, discern and listen for the Spirit of Truth who will guide us to all truth. Let us continue to seek and beg for the grace to live the truth in love.”
With his family and an estimated 1,000 people present, Archbishop Paul Etienne became coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle during a June 7 Mass of Reception at St. James Cathedral.