Phoenix bishop named apostolic administrator of Gallup, N.M.

Published: 2008-01-04

GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix has been appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Gallup, N.M., during the medical leave of absence of Bishop Donald E. Pelotte. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the appointment Jan. 3. The Gallup Diocese announced Dec. 13 that Bishop Pelotte, 62, had taken a medical leave of absence to focus on his recovery from injuries he sustained in a fall down the stairs at his home last summer. After treatment at a hospital specializing in neurological injuries, he returned to Gallup in September and attempted to return to a regular work routine. In December the diocese announced that in consultation with doctors he had decided to step down temporarily and focus on recovery at an unidentified location away from Gallup. The Jan. 3 announcement said Bishop Pelotte was granted a one-year medical leave by the Vatican.

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