OMAHA, Neb. -- The Archdiocese of Omaha held a press conference Monday morning to announce the appointment of a new Archbishop.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George J. Lucas and appointed the Most Reverend Michael McGovern, currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, as the sixth Archbishop of Omaha.

Archbishop Lucas submitted his resignation in June 2024, in accordance with canon law, which requires bishops to resign upon reaching the age of 75. Until Archbishop McGovern's formal installation on May 7, 2025, Archbishop Lucas will serve as the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Omaha.

During the press conference held at 10 a.m., Archbishop Lucas introduced Archbishop-designate McGovern, who is 60 years old.

In his statement, McGovern expressed his acceptance of the appointment “with gratitude and humility.”

“I am very grateful to the clergy and people of southern Illinois for their support and the many ways they have shared their faith with me over the past five years,” McGovern said.

He also expressed his eagerness to meet the clergy and faithful in Omaha, highlighting the archdiocese’s strong reputation for supporting Catholic education, which includes numerous parochial schools, high schools, and two Catholic universities.

McGovern has led the Diocese of Belleville since 2020. Before his consecration as bishop, he served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 26 years. His roles included associate pastor at three parishes, pastor of St. Mary in Lake Forest, and pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Old Mill Creek, Illinois. He also held several administrative positions, including Vice Chancellor.

In his farewell statement, Archbishop Lucas reflected on his nearly sixteen years of service, expressing gratitude for his time in leadership.

“It gives me great joy to know that such a good shepherd has been sent to guide us on our pilgrim way in the coming years," he said. "Please join me in praying for Archbishop-designate McGovern as he prepares to leave the people in the Diocese of Belleville whom he has served with such dedication and to make his home here in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”