Pope leo appoints new auxiliary bishop for newark archdiocese as bishop studerus retires

NEWARK, N.J. — Pope Leo XIV has named Reverend Pedro Bismarck Chau as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, the Vatican announced Friday, while also accepting the resignation of Bishop Gregory J. Studerus.

Bishop-elect Chau, 57, currently serves as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark and has been a priest of the Archdiocese since his ordination in 2008. He will now oversee the parishes and Catholic institutions in Hudson County, a region previously led by Bishop Studerus.

The Holy See confirmed that Bishop Studerus, 77, submitted his resignation upon reaching the canonical retirement age. He was appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Francis in 2020 and will remain involved in the Archdiocese’s pastoral activities as bishop emeritus.

“I warmly welcome the Holy Father’s appointment of Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau as an Auxiliary Bishop,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark. “His deep faith, considerable pastoral experience and love for the people of God will be a great blessing to our local Church.”

Bishop-elect Chau was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and has spent nearly two decades serving in the Newark Archdiocese. He holds degrees in psychology and professional counseling from Seton Hall University, as well as theological degrees from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology.

Background and upcoming ordination

In addition to his work at the Cathedral, Chau has ministered in parish, youth, and campus settings, and served as chaplain to the deaf community. He has also held leadership roles on the Priest Personnel Board and the Council of Priests. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

He will now serve alongside Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Michael A. Saporito and Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., in assisting Cardinal Tobin with spiritual leadership for more than 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey.

Cardinal Tobin will preside over the Episcopal Ordination Mass for Bishop-elect Chau on Monday, Sept. 8 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where Chau has served since 2020.

A seamless transition in leadership marks the latest development for the Archdiocese of Newark.

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