Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero appointed to lead Diocese of Venice

Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero has been appointed to lead the Diocese of Venice, which serves more than 250,000 Catholics across 10 counties along the Gulf Coast.

"It is with great privilege and joy now that I present to you Bishop-elect Emilio, Biosca Agüero," Bishop Frank Dewane said.

Bishop-elect Agüero expressed his gratitude for the appointment, saying, "The Holy Father, Pope Leo the 14th, has appointed me bishop of the Diocese of Venice. I accept this appointment with trust in the providence of God."

Bishop Dewane, who is retiring after two decades of service, reflected on his time in the diocese. "It's been a great joy for me to have ministered here for the past 20 years. I am pleased and very proud of the Catholic community here in the diocese," he said.

Community members shared their thoughts on the transition. Rhonda Will said Bishop-elect Agüero plans to take a thoughtful approach to his new role. "He wants to get the lay of the land. He wants to know what's happening here. So that means he's not coming in with a big agenda to change things right away. He's going to do it slowly and purposefully and prayerfully," she said.

Gabriel Unger described the appointment as a "very joyous moment for myself, my family, the diocese as a whole, just hearing about a new bishop."

Carol Lippert extended her well-wishes, saying, "I want to wish him well. Welcome to the diocese is a wonderful diocese. We have a wonderful priest, and I'm sure he will enjoy working with them."

Bishop-elect Agüero, who has previously worked in New Guinea and Cuba, is expected to focus on the needs of the poor, immigrants, and the growing number of Hispanics in the Catholic Church.

Before his new role, Agüero was a pastor at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C.

"I look forward to entering into the life of this local church, to know its people, to understand its history, to appreciate its customs and traditions. To learn the events that have shaped the spiritual character of this region. To hope. To discover not only the history and written books and archives, but also the living history preserved in families, parishes, neighborhoods, and their witness to Christ," Bishop-elect Agüero said.

According to the Catholic religion, a bishop is required to submit their resignation after their 75th birthday. The Pope then decides on the retirement date and replacement for the bishop.

The ordination of Bishop-elect Aguero is scheduled for July 11.

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