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Milwaukee Archbishop Listecki to retire
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki is retiring. He has led Catholics in southeast Wisconsin for more than a decade – and likely will for a while yet.
ST. Francis, Wis. - Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki is retiring. He has led Catholics in southeast Wisconsin for more than a decade – and likely will for a while yet.
Listecki turned 75 years old on Tuesday, March 12. By Canon Law, Listecki must submit his resignation to Pope Francis – and that is exactly what he did at Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center in St. Francis.
A lot of Catholics in Milwaukee are going to miss the archbishop.
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"I’m sad to see him go because he’s great," said Rick Olson of Milwaukee. "It’s a very critical leadership role so I think that he will be missed by more than just Roman Catholics."
"It’s inevitable but we’re going to miss him dearly," said Ted Barthel of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki signs his retirement paperwork
"Just like his personality, seeing him in videos and stuff he was just friendly. A good guy to talk to. Good for the public and community," said Tommy Ford of Milwaukee.
Canon Law says bishops are requested to retire at age 75. But it does not go into effect until Pope Francis accepts the retirement.
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"What he usually says is you stay in place until I appoint your successor. It could be the next day and it could be two years," said Listecki.
The archbishop's tenure back in Milwaukee on Jan. 4, 2010. Listecki led Catholics through the pandemic – as one of the first bishops in the country to resume Sunday Mass in person with guidelines. He also dedicated resources for funding and outreach to clergy abuse survivors.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki
"I’m very proud that the seminary is full, that Catholic charities is well-respected and serves our technicalities and the schools are increasing and we’re actually developing new school communities," Listecki said.
Archbishop Listecki said he is grateful for the love Milwaukee has shown him – and many people are thankful for his guidance.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki
"I wish you well, Archbishop Listecki. God bless you and thank you for your service to our Lord," Olson said.
Listecki was previously installed as bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse on March 1, 2005.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee encompasses 10 counties in southeast Wisconsin.