On Wednesday, at noon in Rome, Pope Francis announced that he has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr from pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and has appointed Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Archbishop-designate Casey has served as a priest for more than 30 years, having been ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994. In 2018, he was ordained a bishop by Most Reverend Blase J. Cupich, Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago.

Following his 10 a.m. press conference on Wednesday, Archbishop-designate Casey spoke with The Catholic Telegraph about many topics, including his experience walking the Camino and his passion for long-distance running as a way to stay grounded amid stress.

Roots in Faith and Family

Archbishop-designate Robert Gerald Casey is the fourth of five children of the late Michael A. Casey, a meat cutter from County Wicklow, Ireland, and the late Margaret A. Carmody Casey, a registered nurse from southwest Michigan. Raised in Alsip, Illinois, he credits his family’s strong faith as the foundation of his Catholic identity and fondly recalls visits to see 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 where, 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 stress of pastoral leadership. His answer? Prayer—and long-distance running.

Between 2012 and 2018, he ran five marathons, all in his 40s. Now, at the age of 57, he’s getting back into the habit.

“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 heard that he would be the next Archbishop of Cincinnati, Archbishop-designate Casey expressed his 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.”

He concluded, “So again, it’s this gratitude. First and foremost, 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.”

Archbishop-designate Casey expressed his gratitude for Archbishop Schnurr’s warm welcome despite his recent recovery from back surgery.

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr has served as the 10th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since 2009. He was previously Bishop of Duluth from 2001 to 2008. He was ordained a priest of his home diocese of Sioux City in 1974. As required by Canon Law, Archbishop Schnurr submitted his resignation to the Holy Father when he turned 75 on June 21, 2023.

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

Colin Rahill is the Director of Digital Engagement for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as well as an author and speaker. | [email protected]