Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishop For Twin Cities

TWIN CITIES, MN — Pope Francis Friday named Father Joseph Williams as the new auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Bishop-elect Williams, 47, is currently the pastor of the Church of Saint Stephen and the Church of the Holy Rosary, which are both in Minneapolis. He also serves as Vicar for Latino Ministry for the archdiocese.

His episcopal ordination is scheduled for Jan. 25 at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Williams will replace the outgoing Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, who Pope Francis recently named as Bishop of Crookston.

Williams grew up in Stillwater. He is the third of nine children. He attended Saint Croix Catholic School and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1992. Williams' brother Peter is also a priest and serves as pastor of Saint Ambrose parish in Woodbury.

Williams earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota-Morris. While at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, Williams felt God’s call to the priesthood.

Williams was accepted into The Saint Paul Seminary in Saint Paul in 1998 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2002.

"I am humbled and honored by Pope Francis’ appointment," Williams said in a statement.

"I love Jesus and His Church, and I look forward to joining the faithful of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in sharing that love with our neighbors, especially the poor and the immigrant. I have had the privilege of serving our Spanish-speaking sisters and brothers for over 15 years. Their tender love of God and devotion to the priesthood have inspired me to live out my vows daily. I am confident the Holy Spirit will show Archbishop Hebda how I may best support him in caring for all the wonderful people of this Archdiocese. Please pray for us."