The following is taken from press releases issued by the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Peoria.
Pope Francis announced early today that he has named Reverend Louis Tylka, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria, Ill.
A coadjutor is an assistant bishop with the right of succession. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who has shepherded the Diocese of Peoria since 2002, will continue as diocesan bishop. When he retires, Coadjutor Bishop-elect Tylka will automatically succeed him. Bishop Jenky turns 75, the age when bishops are required to turn in their resignation to the pope, on March 3, 2022.
“We welcome the appointment of Bishop-elect Tylka as Coadjutor of the Diocese of Peoria and are pleased he will join the bishops of Illinois in working cooperatively to serve the faithful in our state,“ said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “He has proved himself to be a compassionate and inspiring pastor and a strong advocate for priests and the priesthood. We look forward to the contributions he will make to the Church in the coming years.”
Bishop-elect Tylka, a native of Harvey, Ill. graduated from St. Joseph Grammar School, Homewood, Ill. in 1984 and from Marian Catholic High School, in Chicago Heights, Ill. in 1988. After a year of study at Purdue University, he transferred to Niles College Seminary of Loyola University, graduating in 1992. Bishop-elect Tylka’s seminary formation took place at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on May 18,1996.
Bishop-elect Tylka, 49, has served as associate pastor at St. Michael Parish, Orland Park, Ill. and at Ss. Faith, Hope and Charity Parish, Winnetka, Ill. He was pastor of Mater Christi Parish and Shrine of Mary, Mother of Mothers, North Riverside, Ill. He currently serves as pastor of St. Julie Billiart Parish, Tinley Park, Ill. and as the chair of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
“I am humbled and honored by this appointment,” said Bishop-elect Tylka. “I am grateful to the Holy Father and encouraged by his confidence in me. I am looking forward to serving alongside Bishop Jenky and learning from the priests, leaders and faithful in the Church of Central Illinois.”
Bishop-elect Tylka introduced himself to the Diocese of Peoria in this video.
Bishop-elect Tylka is expected to begin his ministry as Coadjutor Bishop and relocate to the Diocese of Peoria later in 2020. A Mass of welcome will be planned when such celebrations can resume.
Bishop Jenky of Peoria issued the following statement:
“I know that I speak for all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria who join with me in giving heartfelt thanks to Almighty God and to our Holy Father Pope Francis for sending us the Most Reverend Louis Tylka as Coadjutor Bishop-Elect. He has worked in parishes for his entire priesthood, and I know that he will bring enormous talent, zeal, and a warm personality to the service of God and neighbor here in Central Illinois. I have assured Bishop Tylka that he can expect an enthusiastic welcome in our local Church, and that we look forward to his pastoral ministry and leadership. Upon my retirement, I will be happy to know that he will become the ninth Bishop of Peoria.
“More than a year ago, I began to experience some growing mobility problems due to arthritis and spinal issues. Through the Papal Nuncio, I therefore petitioned our Holy Father Pope Francis to appoint a Coadjutor Bishop to help me in the administration of our Diocese, which covers 26 counties in Central Illinois. I am extremely grateful to the Pope for granting my request and sending us this good shepherd.”