Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, currently Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, as the sixth Archbishop of Detroit. The archbishop elect succeeds Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, who has served the archdiocese since 2009.
The new archbishop will be installed at a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 2:00 p.m., on March 18. On March 17 at 5:30 p.m., Archbishop-elect Weisenburger will lead Vespers (evening prayer) at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Additional details about the installation liturgy will be shared in the coming days. Following his installation, Archbishop Weisenburger will begin his assignment as chief shepherd of Michigan’s largest Catholic diocese, comprising more than 900,000 Catholics and 213 parishes. As required by Church law, Archbishop Vigneron submitted his resignation to the Holy Father when he turned 75 on October 21, 2023. Pope Francis has named him to serve as apostolic administrator of Detroit until Archbishop-elect Weisenburger’s installation. Archbishop Vigneron will celebrate a farewell Mass on Sunday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Archbishop-elect Weisenburger commented on the announcement:
“The Archdiocese of Detroit is a Church steeped in rich history, vibrant ministries, and known for a committed clergy with a great passion for evangelization. I am humbled to be called to serve such a noble Church. Despite the challenge of leaving my happy home in the Diocese of Tucson, I promise the good people of the Archdiocese of Detroit my all,” Archbishop-elect Weisenburger said. “I am exceptionally grateful to Archbishop Vigneron for the warmth, kindness, and encouragement he expressed to me immediately upon learning of my assignment. His generous assurance of a warm welcome and his desire to be of fraternal help to me is a true blessing. It is my hope that his retirement will be marked by length of years, robust health, and many rich blessings.”
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