By Hannah Brockhaus, Catholic News Agency,
Southern Nebraska Register
Pope Francis on Monday appointed Bishop Michael McGovern of Belleville, Ill., to lead the Archdiocese of Omaha, after he accepted the resignation of Omaha Archbishop George Lucas.
McGovern, 60, has led the Diocese of Belleville since April 2020. The Chicago native will be installed as archbishop of Omaha in the Cathedral of St. Cecilia May 7.
He succeeds Lucas, who submitted his resignation when he turned 75 in June 2024 as required by canon law. Lucas has led the Archdiocese of Omaha since 2009.
McGovern is the youngest child of a large Catholic family. He grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, where he attended Christ the King Parish and grammar school and was an altar server.
He was ordained a priest in 1994, and in 2020 he was named bishop of Belleville.
The archbishop-designate of Omaha is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Since 2021, he has served as the state chaplain for the Illinois Knights of Columbus.
In 2022, the Diocese of Belleville announced it would sell the historic mansion that had served as the bishop’s residence for over 70 years, with the majority of the proceeds being used for a diocesan maternity fund for expectant mothers.
“I hope to live more simply and, as a pastor, I believe the proceeds from the sale of the home can be better used in helping pregnant mothers in need, assisting families seeking a Catholic education, and providing programs for our youth,” McGovern said about the decision to sell the property.
Bishop James Conley of Lincoln offered his congratulations to Archbishop-designate Michael McGovern on his appointment.
“I look forward to working together with him in the years ahead as we strive to bring the people of the state of Nebraska closer to Christ,” he said.
He added that McGovern has “a deep love for the Eucharist as is evident through his support of the Eucharistic Revival” as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville.
“He is also a strong proponent of Catholic education and pro-life ministries in his diocese, and has demonstrated a compassionate heart for the poor and those in need. It is an honor and a pleasure to welcome him to the great state of Nebraska!”
Bishop Conley also congratulated Archbishop George Lucas on his nearly 16 years as Archbishop of Omaha.
“I have appreciated his guidance, support and friendship throughout our time together,” he said. “I have learned much from him and will always consider him a good friend. He has been a true and faithful shepherd for the people of the archdiocese and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
