THE VATICAN — The Peoria Catholic Diocese has announced Pope Francis has appointed a Pastor from the Archdiocese of Chicago to become the Coadjutor Bishop of the Peoria Catholic Diocese, and the Diocese’s next Bishop.
In a statement released early Monday morning, the Diocese announced Pope Francis appointed Rev. Louis Tylka to the position. The 49-year-old Tylka currently serves as the Pastor of St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park, Illinois.
“He has a well-deserved reputation as being a very popular pastor in the Archdiocese of Chicago,” said the statement. “He is known as a man of holiness and prayer, generous in service, who knows how to encourage the talents of others in collaborative ministry. The Diocese of Peoria will be enormously blessed by the service and leadership of this gifted and friendly pastor.”
Coadjutor Bishop-Elect Tylka has served as Pastoral Associate at St. Michael Parish, Orland Park (1996-2003) and at Ss. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka (2003-2004). He served as Pastor of Mater Christi and the Shrine of Mary, Mother of Mothers, North Riverside (2004-2014). Additionally Coadjutor Bishop-Elect Tylka has served on the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Chicago, serving as Chair of the Council from 2015 to present.
Bishop Jenky issued a statement following the Vatican’s announcement:
“I know that I speak for all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria who join with me in giving heartfelt thanks to Almighty God and to our Holy Father Pope Francis for sending us the Most Reverend Louis Tylka as Coadjutor Bishop-Elect. He has worked in parishes for his entire priesthood, and I know that he will bring enormous talent, zeal, and a warm personality to the service of God and neighbor here in Central Illinois. I have assured Bishop Tylka that he can expect an enthusiastic welcome in our Local Church, and that we look forward to his pastoral ministry and leadership. Upon my retirement, I will be happy to know that he will become the 9th Bishop of Peoria,” said Jenky.
The Bishop added, “More than a year ago, I began to experience some growing mobility problems due to arthritis and spinal issues. Through the Papal Nuncio, I therefore petitioned our Holy Father Pope Francis to appoint a Coadjutor Bishop to help me in the administration of our Diocese, which covers 26 counties in Central Illinois. I am extremely grateful to the Pope for granting my request and sending us this good shepherd.”
A coadjutor bishop is an assistant bishop with the right of succession as the next ordinary or diocesan bishop. Bishop Jenky will continue to direct the Diocese of Peoria until his retirement. When his retirement is accepted, the coadjutor bishop automatically becomes the next Bishop of Peoria.
Bishops are required at age 75 to submit their resignation to the Pope.
Bishop Jenky turns 75 in March 2022. Upon the retirement of Most Reverend Daniel Jenky, Coadjutor Bishop-Elect Tylka will succeed Bishop Jenky and will become the 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria.
