By Catholic News Service 

WASHINGTON — Pope Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Donald J. Hying of Milwaukee as bishop of Gary, Indiana, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Dale J. Melczek, who has headed the diocese since 1996.

The changes were announced Nov. 24 in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Hying, 51, has been an auxiliary bishop in Milwaukee since 2011. Bishop Melczek is 76 years old. Canon law requires a bishop to turn in his resignation at age 75.

Posted Nov. 24, 2014