At the break of dawn on Wednesday, February 12, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati awoke to historic news: Pope Francis had accepted
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s resignation and appointed his successor—Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. Just hours later, Archbishop-designate Casey stood before the press in the basement of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and introduced himself to the people he would soon shepherd.

Following the press conference, Archbishop-designate Casey spoke with The Catholic Telegraph on topics beyond his public remarks, including his experience walking the Camino and his passion for long-distance running, the latter helping him to stay grounded amid stress.

Roots in Faith and Family
Crediting his family’s strong faith as the foundation for his Catholic identity, Archbishop-designate Casey fondly recalled visiting his grandparents.

“We would go to my grandparent’s farm in Michigan, and we’d go to church with everybody—aunts, uncles, cousins,” he said.
He particularly remembers a cherished Sunday tradition: “I oftentimes say that at my grandparents’ church in Michigan, they had a doughnut ministry. Every Sunday, they made fresh doughnuts in the gym of the school. And so, you’d go to Mass and you could smell the amazing doughnuts.”
Laughing, he added, “I always joke that I came to Jesus by way of doughnuts.”

A Transformative Pilgrimage
When asked about experiences that shaped his approach to ministry, Archbishop-designate Casey shared that, in 2003, he undertook a solo 40-day “Camino” pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

“A significant discipleship moment of encounter was on the Camino in Spain. Walking that Camino changed me, both as a disciple and as a priest. I came back renewed in my discipleship and renewed as a priest.”

Although he traveled alone, he never felt isolated.

“I went alone, but I never was alone on the Camino. I became a friend to this very diverse population,” he said. “That, to me, was one of those life-defining moments—walking 500 miles, experiencing the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the intercession of Saint James the Pilgrim and the joy of Church. It was transformative.”

Running as a Spiritual Habit
Appointed auxiliary bishop in 2018, Archbishop-designate Casey is no stranger to the pressure of pastoral leadership. His remedy: prayer and long-distance running.

“I’m trying to re-engage my joy of running,” he said. “A friend has convinced me to sign up for a marathon at the end of October. So, if I can develop that discipline again—that’s something that is not only a physical benefit, but emotional and spiritual as well.”

A Grateful Response
Reflecting on the moment he first learned he would be the next Archbishop of Cincinnati, Archbishop-designate Casey expressed profound gratitude.
“I wanted to say to Jesus, ‘Me? Really?’ And then, I can’t help but say yes because I look back on my journey—He’s always had my back. So how can I not trust Him? The only word I have is ‘gratitude,’ and it comes from this abiding faith in Christ Jesus. … First and foremost, gratitude to Jesus, and secondly to Pope Francis and Cardinal Cupich. What a great adventure this is!”

Archbishop Schnurr’s Warm Welcome
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr congratulated Archbishop- designate Casey on his appointment.
“It has been my great honor and privilege to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati these past 15 years. Now, on behalf of the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, it is a great joy to welcome Archbishop-designate Robert Casey to his new home,” Archbishop Schnurr said. “Archbishop-designate Casey is highly regarded by the people and priests he serves, and I am pleased such a good man will be shepherding the people of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.”

Let us all join together in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Schnurr and extend our prayers and congratulations to Archbishop-designate Robert G. Casey.