A new bishop is selected to lead the Catholic Church in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
It’s been over two years since Bishop Francis Malooly offered his resignation as bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington, and now Pope Francis has named Reverend Monsignor William Koenig from New York to be the tenth bishop of Wilmington.
Koenig says he’s never visited Delaware before, but is excited to learn about the diverse community in the state and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“I look forward to meeting the members of the various ethnic communities and celebrate how we, like a body have many parts, but are one body,” he said.
Koenig was also asked about his position on President Biden’s support for abortion rights. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is set to meet in June to vote on whether to take anofficial stance against politicians who support abortion access.
“I certainly pray for him every day. I would certainly be open to having a conversation with him," Koenig said. "But as a bishop, I’m called to teach the fullness and the beauty of the Catholic faith,” He says.
Biden is known to attend mass weekly, and does so often at his local church near his Greenville home. If the bishops vote in favor, which is expected, Biden could be barred from receiving communion.
Koenig will be officially ordained as bishop in mid-July at St. Elizabeth Church in Wilmington.
