Bishop Burbidge transferred to Catholic Diocese of Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA (AP) – A North Carolina bishop has been selected to lead the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.

Officials announced Tuesday that Pope Francis appointed Bishop Michael Burbidge to serve as the Bishop of Arlington. The 59-year-old Philadelphia native has served as the Bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina, since 2006. During Burbidge’s time in Raleigh, officials say the number of registered Catholics grew more than 40 percent to 430,000 and his priorities included the construction of a new cathedral set to be dedicated next year.

Bishop Burbidge released a statement.  It reads, “Over the past 10 years, I have had the profound pleasure of serving the great people of the Diocese of Raleigh. From the moment I stepped foot in North Carolina, I was welcomed with warmth and love that I have never forgotten. I especially thank my brother priests for their consistent fraternal support, as well as for the help provided by the deacons, consecrated religious, and the lay faithful who have been so kind to me. It is with great certainty that while I will leave the Diocese of Raleigh later this year, the next Bishop will be welcomed with the same joy and love that I encountered. May Our Lord continue to bless the wonderful and holy people of the Diocese of Raleigh.”

Burbidge succeeds 76-year-old Bishop Paul Loverde, who has led the diocese since 1999. Loverde will serve as apostolic administrator until a Mass of Installation on Dec. 6.

The Diocese of Arlington serves 600,000 Catholics in central and northern Virginia.