A new Bishop!

It is truly a timely blessing. Three days before Christmas our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has sent the Diocese of Tucson its eighth shepherd. His name is Father James Misko, 55, and he comes to us from the Diocese of Austin in Texas where is serving as the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. In March 2025, following the transfer of Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez to the Archdiocese Galveston-Houston, Father Misko was appointed to serve as the Administrator of the Diocese of Austin. He held that role for six months until September 2025 when Bishop Daniel E. Garcia was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin. 

Bishop-elect Misko was ordained in 2007. He is a native of Texas. Bishop-elect Misko will host a press conference with local media at 10 a.m. today. It will be live streamed on our website diocesetucson.org. Then, at 11:00 a.m. you can meet Bishop-elect Misko as he will be available to greet priests, deacons, religious, and the laity in St. Augustine Cathedral. Following the welcome gathering, Bishop-elect Misko will celebrate Mass at 12:05 p.m. The diocese extends a warm invitation to all. Our Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Gerald Kicanas will concelebrate the Mass. 

Bishop-elect Misko succeeds Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger who was transferred to the Archdiocese of Detroit in March 2025. The schedule for Bishop-elect Misko’s ordination and installation is as follows: Vespers, Thursday, February 19; Ordination and Installation, Friday, February 20.  The Diocese of Tucson thanks you for your prayerful support as we navigate this exciting time.