Pope Francis Names Auxiliary Bishop For Archdiocese of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Pope Francis has named a local Catholic leader as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, according to a news release. 

Monsignor Edward M. Deliman currently serves as pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem. 

The role of an auxiliary bishop is to assist the diocesan bishop by sharing in his pastoral and administrative work and to act in his name, according to the Archdiocese. 

Bishop-elect Deliman’s specific duties will be defined in the coming weeks and months, the Archdiocese said, and for the present, he will remain as pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo. 

 Archbishop Chaput said that he will confirm Bishop-elect Deliman to his new position on August 18, 2016 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. 

"He is greatly loved by the people he’s served over the years," Chaput said. "As more of the faithful in our local Church come to know him, I’m sure they will admire him with keen affection as well."

Deliman, 69, is a native of Lorain, Ohio. His family moved to the area in the 1950s. He has served int he priesthood since 1973.

"To say that I’m humbled doesn't adequately express my feelings about this announcement, but I am," Deliman said in a statement. "I'm grateful to Pope Francis."

In addition to his post in Bensalem, the Archidiocese's biography of Deliman notes that he has previously served several other parishes in the region, including Saint Joseph Parish in Cheltenham, Saint John Bosco Parish in Hatboro, and Saint Agnes Parish in West Chester.

Image courtesy Archdiocese of Philadelphia.