Archbishop Lipscomb retires; Bishop Rodi named his successor

Published: 2008-04-02

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb, 76, of Mobile, Ala., and has named Bishop Thomas J. Rodi of Biloxi, Miss., as his successor. The resignation and appointment were announced in Washington April 2 by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Rodi will be installed as Mobile's archbishop at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile June 6. The 59-year-old archbishop has led the Biloxi Diocese since 2001; Archbishop Lipscomb has been Mobile's archbishop for the past 28 years. The Vatican has also named Archbishop Rodi as apostolic administrator of the Biloxi Diocese until another bishop is installed. "I am both honored and humbled by our Holy Father's appointment to serve as archbishop of Mobile," Archbishop Rodi said in an April 2 statement. "I respect and admire Archbishop Lipscomb and am grateful for his ministry," he added, saying, "I intend to rely upon his good judgment as I become acquainted with the people of the Archdiocese of Mobile."

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