By Jay Sorgi
WTMJ
November 14, 2009
http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/70096142.html
MILWAUKEE - After nearly a seven-month wait, Pope Benedict XVI has made his decision on the head of the Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
La Crosse Bishop Jerome Listecki will serve the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as its new Archbishop.
According to the Archdiocesan Web site, Bishop Listecki, 60, will take over the role in early January.
Bishop Listecki has overseen La Crosse's diocesan operations since March of 2005. He is a Chicago native, and will be Milwaukee's first Polish archbishop. He has been a pastor, a teacher, and has several degrees, including a law degree.
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Listecki posted a statement on You Tube this morning. He says the appointment is bittersweet. "I look forward to the challenges that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will present. However, I do leave here with some regret, for I've come to admire and respect and to love this diocese," he explains.
Chief of Staff for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Jerry Topczewski says he thinks Bishop Listecki will be a good fit for Milwaukee.
"I think he'll be very comfortable in his own shoes, he'll really establish himself, his own personality and style. We certainly miss Archbishop Dolan, and his style, but I think Bishop Listecki will bring a great leadership and pastoral skill for the archdiocese that people will really take to," Topczewski says.
Catholic blogger Rocco Palmo, who runs "Whispers in The Loggia," was asked about Listecki when he was listed among a number of possible candidates.
"Bishop Listecki is known as a Canon lawyer, a civil lawyer, the most low profile, the biggest question mark," said Palmo.
A news conference will happen at 10:00 a.m. Saturday with the new Archbishop.
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