Pope names Biloxi priest to head Diocese of Alexandria, La.

Published: 2004-11-04

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II has named Msgr. Ronald P. Herzog, a priest of the Diocese of Biloxi, Miss., as bishop of Alexandria, La. The 62-year-old priest, who is pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Laurel, Miss., succeeds Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, who was appointed bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, La., in August 2003. Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., has been serving as apostolic administrator of Alexandria. Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the appointment in Washington Nov. 4. No date was set immediately for the new bishop's episcopal ordination and installation. Bishop-designate Herzog said it was an honor to be asked by the pope "to take up the spiritual leadership" of the Alexandria Diocese, but "also an awesome and somewhat frightening challenge."

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