Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop John S. Bonnici, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York since 2022 and pastor of the parishes of Ss. John and Paul and St. Augustine in Larchmont since 2021, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in the western region of New York.

He succeeds Bishop Salvatore R. Matano who will reach the age of 80 in September. Bishop Bonnici’s installation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a statement: “The Most Reverend John Bonnici has been a faithful priest, beloved pastor, trusted auxiliary bishop, wise counselor, and good friend during the nearly 17 years that I have been privileged to serve as Archbishop of New York. Pope Leo has chosen well in appointing him to serve as the Bishop of Rochester! While we will sure miss him here in the Archdiocese of New York, we are grateful that one of our neighboring dioceses will now experience his pastoral love.”