New Archbishop Talks Racism, November Election and Why Catholic Schools Aren’t Going Virtual

KSDK
August 20, 2020

https://www.ksdk.com/article/life/faith/new-st-louis-archbishop-rozanski-interview-about/63-b95da397-e935-4929-8220-d2bedecbec41

Interview of Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski by Anne Allred and Dori Olmos

Archbishop-elect Rozanski shared his views on how to tackle a variety of challenges in the church, including racism, declining numbers and sex abuse allegations

The incoming leader of the Archdiocese of St. Louis recognizes the responsibility he’s about to take on.

“I'm grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for appointing me as the archbishop of St. Louis,” Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski said during a Zoom call Thursday morning.

He recently moved to St. Louis from Springfield, Massachusetts, where he spent six years as a bishop.

“I realize the great responsibility that goes along with this position,” he added.

But he’s ready for the task ahead. In an interview with 5 On Your Side’s Anne Allred, Archbishop-elect Rozanski shared his views on how to tackle a variety of challenges in the church, including racism, declining numbers and sex abuse allegations.

Addressing sex abuse allegations in the Catholic Church

Rozanski said transparency is key. While working in Springfield, he tried to foster good working relationships with the investigators tasked with looking into allegations involving clergy.

“I think working that way, also keeping up our education about any type of child or minor sexual abuse is important so that everyone has an awareness of what to look for. There are signs of what to do, what to do about it to act upon it,” he said.