Crookston, Minn., bishop retires; Minnesota priest named successor

Published: 2007-09-28

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Victor H. Balke of Crookston, Minn., and appointed as his successor Msgr. Michael J. Hoeppner, vicar general of the Diocese of Winona, Minn. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the changes in Washington Sept. 28. The announcement came one day shy of Bishop Balke's 76th birthday. He submitted his resignation when he turned 75 last September. Canon law requires all bishops to submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75. Bishop-designate Hoeppner, 58, will be ordained and installed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Crookston Nov. 30. Winona Bishop Bernard J. Harrington applauded the appointment, describing Bishop-designate Hoeppner as "well prepared and well qualified." "I know the people and the clergy of the Diocese of Crookston will welcome him with open arms and work with him to build up the church of Crookston," he said.

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