Today, the Holy See announced that Pope Francis has appointed Father Earl K. Fernandes as Bishop-elect of Columbus. I applaud the Holy Father’s appointment of Father Fernandes and I welcome him as the new shepherd of the Catholic faithful of Columbus. Said to be a priest of strong intellect and unwavering energy, I look forward to getting to know Bishop-elect Fernandes and working with him as together we address the needs and concerns of the Catholic community in Ohio through the Ohio Conference of Catholic Bishops. May God bless Bishop-elect Fernandes always as he begins his new and very important ministry.