Bishop Garcia Named Sixth Bishop of Austin

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, a native Texan and former Bishop of Monterey, as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Austin, Texas. Garcia previously served as Austin's Auxiliary Bishop from 2015 to 2019 and led the Diocese of Monterey for over six years. His return was met with mixed emotions, as Monterey parishioners expressed sadness at his departure and Austin parishioners welcomed his leadership and commitment to inclusivity. Garcia emphasized the importance of serving the poor and marginalized, highlighting the church's diversity and evolving needs. The Diocese of Monterey will begin searching for an interim bishop, while Austin awaits the official date for Garcia's installation. Garcia's appointment is viewed as a significant transition, promising continuity and renewed focus for the Austin Diocese.