Bishop Daniel Conlon Retires From Diocese Of Joliet

JOLIET, IL— On Monday morning, the Diocese of Joliet announced that Bishop Daniel Conlon's retirement has been accepted by Pope Francis. Conlon was put on medical leave last December.

“The leave of absence the Holy Father granted me at the beginning of this year was a huge blessing," Conlon said in a statement issued by the Joliet diocese. "I experienced personal healing and was able to recognize that, at 71, I am no longer able to carry the burden of leadership of a large diocese.”

According to the Diocese of Joliet, Conlon hopes to continue to live in the diocese and minister as his health allows. Richard Pates, bishop emeritus of Des Moines Iowa, will remain in charge of Joliet.

Pates was the bishop of Des Moines from 2008 to his retirement in July 2019.

“On behalf of the entire diocese, I extend to Bishop Conlon heartfelt thanks for the dedicated and effective ministry that he has rendered the Diocese of Joliet during his tenure as its shepherd," Pates said in a statement. "We assure the bishop of our continuing prayer especially for his good health. May his retirement be a blessed time. We feel fortunate that he intends to remain with us in the diocese. We look forward to celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving and reception in his honor soon."

Conlon was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in July 2011. Pope Francis put him on medical leave last Dec. 27.