Pope Benedict accepts resignation of Cleveland’s Bishop Pilla, elevates Bishop Lennon in place

Washington D.C., Apr 3, 2006 / 22:00 pm

Today, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Cleveland’s Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, who has served as head of that diocese since 1981.

In his place, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Richard G. Lennon, who is auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Boston and Titular Bishop of Sufes. He was ordained a bishop in 2001.  

The announcement was made in Washington by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

From 1995 to 1998, Bishop Pilla served as head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, an office now occupied by Spokane’s Bishop William Skylstad.

The Diocese of Cleveland is the 15th largest in the country, and home to 802,767 Catholics, or 28 percent of the 8-county geographic area which comprises the diocese.