Pope Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop of Newark

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the retirement of Bishop John W. Fleseyfrom the office of auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark. 

The announcement was publicizedin Washington on October 16 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio tothe United States.  

Bishop Flesey has served in the Archdiocese since 1969.

As required by Canon Law, Bishop Flesey submitted to PopeFrancis his letter offering his retirement having reached 75 years ofage.

TheMost Reverend John Walter Flesey, STD was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1942. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminaryuntil 1969, when he was ordained.

BishopFlesey's first assignment was to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Plainfield,after which he earned an STL degree in Spiritual Theology from the GregorianUniversity in Rome, and a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the University ofSt. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. 

Healso holds an MS degree in Pastoral Counseling from Iona College and an STBfrom Catholic University of America.

Hehas served the Archdiocese as a member of the faculty, Rector and Dean, andSpiritual Director of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, aswell as Director of Ongoing Formation for the Priests of the Archdiocese ofNewark.

Bishop Fleseywas named Titular Bishop of Allegheny and Auxiliary Bishop of Newark in May2004. He currently serves as Regional Bishop of Bergen County and Pastorof Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Franklin Lakes. 

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Keywords: Pope Francis, Bishop John W. Flesey, Archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolicnuncio.  

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