Statement from the Most Reverend Mitchell Rozanski, Metropolitan Archbishop of St. Louis

“Today our Holy Father has appointed Rev. Ralph O’Donnell, a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for his appointment of Bishop-elect O’Donnell and for Bishop-elect O’Donnell’s generous response to our Holy Father’s appointment. Along with my brother bishops, Bishop James V. Johnston, Bishop Edward Rice and Archbishop-elect Mark Rivituso, I welcome Bishop-elect O’Donnell to the Church of Jefferson City and the state of Missouri. Let us keep Bishop-elect O’Donnell in prayer as he prepares for his ordination to the Office of Bishop and to serve as Ordinary of the Diocese of Jefferson City.”

Statement from the Most Reverend Shawn McKnight, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

“My heart is filled with joy at the news of Fr. Ralph O’Donnell’s appointment by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City.

My former diocese will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am confident the faithful there are in excellent hands with Bishop-Elect O’Donnell. Our friendship and collaboration go back many years, including when he succeeded me as the Executive Director of the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. His leadership in this vital work, as well as his service as vice-rector and dean of students at Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, has given him exceptional experience in the formation of priests and the accompaniment of religious.

In addition to his gifts in formation, Bishop-Elect O’Donnell brings rich pastoral experience, which will serve him well as shepherd of the local Church. I pray that God’s providence will guide and bless him abundantly in the days ahead, and I look forward to joining the people of the Diocese of Jefferson City in celebrating his installation. Please join me in praying for Bishop-Elect O'Donnell and the Diocese of Jefferson City during this time of joyful transition.”

Statement from the Most Reverend Michael McGovern, Archbishop of Omaha

“Bishop-Elect O’Donnell is a wonderful priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha. He is a proven pastor with a great heart for the people that he serves. His current responsibilities include serving as a pastor of a very large and vibrant parish, along with being a board member of Catholic Charities. The Lord has blessed Bishop-Elect O’Donnell with many gifts that he will continue to use for the Lord and the mission of the Church in Jefferson City. While I will miss him personally, I trust that the Lord will bless him in his new ministry as the Bishop of Jefferson City.”

Statement from Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, Diocesan Administrator

“Today’s appointment by Pope Leo is an answer to our prayers during this Jubilee Year. Bishop-Elect O’Donnell is an experienced priest of 28 years and pastor with a deep love for God and the Church. We are blessed that the Holy Father has chosen him to lead us. His arrival during the Holy Year fills us with hope. I invite all the faithful of the Diocese of Jefferson City to pray with me that this new beginning will be a time of grace, renewal and unity for our local Church. I look forward to working with our new bishop as, together, we continue the mission Christ has entrusted to us here in Central and Northeastern Missouri.”