Pope names new Catholic bishop for Idaho

Idaho Roman Catholics have a new religious leader.

Pope Francis announced at the Vatican today that he had accepted the resignation of Bishop Michael P. Driscoll, Seventh Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, and named Bishop Peter F. Christensen, of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, as Eighth Bishop of Boise.

Christensen thanked “the Holy Father Pope Francis, Archbishop Carlos Maria Vigano and all who made possible this opportunity to serve the church in Idaho” during a press conference in Boise.

“I am humbled by the Holy Father's confidence in me, and pray that I may be worthy of his trust,” Christensen said.

"This is a wonderful and diverse state with beautiful mountains and prairies, deserts, rivers and green valleys. Yet nothing reveals the love of God for this community more than the good works and faithfulness of his people. I look forward to seeing the beauty of creation through the holiness and love of Idaho Catholics, and hope that you see God's love reflected in me in the same way."

Driscoll submitted his letter of resignation to the pope on Aug. 8, when he turned 75.

"I am thrilled with the selection of Bishop Christensen as the next Bishop of Boise. He is a man of energy and prayer and love for the church, and will find in Idaho a community of committed and faithful Catholics willing to serve and follow him in the years ahead,” Driscoll said. “I am also very grateful to Pope Francis for granting my request for retirement. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving the people and the Catholic Church of Idaho."

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise comprises the entire state of Idaho. 

Christensen will be installed as Bishop of Boise at a Mass Dec. 17 in St. John Cathedral. 

Driscoll will continue to oversee the daily governance of the diocese until Christensen is installed.