SYRACUSE (NY)
Post Standard
June 7, 2019
By Julie McMahon
Syracuse’s next Roman Catholic bishop will take over leadership of an institution during perhaps its most difficult period.
Father Douglas Lucia, 56, will step into the highest post in the Syracuse diocese later this year, amid church closings and heightened international attention on the Catholic church’s handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal. Lucia takes the reins from Bishop Robert Cunningham, who has served for 10 years as Syracuse’s religious leader.
Lucia brings to his role a background in canon law and experience working with new priests and managing his own parishes as a pastor in the Ogdensburg diocese.
Though he was called to serve unexpectedly — bishops are selected by the Pope in a secretive process — Lucia said he believes he can help the church and its followers through this difficult time.
A twin brother and avid Red Sox fan, Lucia shared personal stories and answered questions about his role in the church during a wide-ranging interview with syracuse.com. Lucia took questions over the phone from his current post in Ogdensburg, as he prepares for the transition to his new role in August.
The interview is lightly edited for length and clarity.
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