Episcopal Transition

By Kristine Rilling
01/30/2026

As he marked his 75th birthday in November, Bishop Lawrence T. Persico invited the faithful of the Diocese of Erie to join him in prayer for the next bishop who will shepherd the 13 counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. In accordance with canon law, Bishop Persico has submitted his letter of resignation to the Holy Father and will continue to serve the diocese until Pope Leo XIV appoints his successor.

After a bishop submits his letter of resignation, he continues to serve fully and faithfully until a successor is named. During this time — which can last months or even years — the life of the diocese continues without interruption. Ministries move forward, Confirmations are celebrated and the bishop carries on his work with diocesan leadership just as he always has.

At the same time, an episcopal transition planning process begins, both locally and in Rome. This thoughtful and intentional work helps prepare the diocese to welcome a new bishop.

Within the diocese, preparations begin for either the ordination (if the appointee is not yet a bishop) or the installation (if he is already a bishop) of Bishop Persico’s successor. Numerous or-ganizational and liturgical details must be addressed to ensure a smooth and prayerful transition.

Meanwhile, the selection of a suitable bishop proceeds through a series of consultations conducted under strict confidentiality. The apostolic nuncio — His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre — oversees this process and plays a decisive role in developing the list of candidates forwarded to Rome. As the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States, the nuncio gathers extensive information, including assessments of the diocese’s needs and each candidate’s ability to meet them.

Once the nuncio’s report is submitted, the Vatican begins its careful, prayerful discernment of the next shepherd for the diocese. This process is deliberate and largely unseen. Throughout this time of waiting, the diocese continues to operate under the steady leadership of its current bishop.

As the Diocese of Erie prepares for this transition, we also continue to honor Bishop Persico’s legacy.
His 13-year episcopate has been marked by a commitment to healing, transparency and pastoral leadership. He emerged as a national voice following the 2018 statewide grand jury report, calling for honesty and accountability as essential to rebuilding trust in the Catholic Church. Under his leadership, safeguards for children and youth were strengthened, long-term planning for parishes and schools advanced, and a renewed focus on Eucharistic revival and missionary discipleship took root across the diocese.

Bishop Persico’s steady presence and faithful service will remain a source of deep gratitude as the diocese prepares to turn the page to its next chapter.