Pope Francis has named Father Joseph Williams as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

“I am humbled and honored by Pope Francis’ appointment," Father Williams said in a statement on the archdiocese's website. "I love Jesus and His Church, and I look forward to joining the faithful of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in sharing that love with our neighbors, especially the poor and the immigrant.” 

The appointment was announced Dec. 10 on the archdiocese's website. The bishop-elect is a priest for the diocese serving as pastor of the Church of Saint Stephen and the Church of the Holy Rosary in Minneapolis. He serves also as the archdiocese’s Vicar for Latino Ministry.

"I had the privilege of serving our Spanish-speaking sisters and brothers for over 15 years," Father Williams said in the statement. "Their tender love of God and devotion to the priesthood have inspired me to live out my vows daily."

Father Williams, 47, was born in Stillwater in 1974, the third of nine children. He earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris and a degree in philosophy/pre-theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. He then studied at the Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, where he earned a Masters of Divinity. He was ordained to the priesthood in May 2002. His brother, Father  Peter Williams, is also a priest in the archdiocese.

Father Williams previously served as the chaplain to the Minnesota House of Representatives, as well as the Coordinator of Archdiocesan Outreach to Persons with Disabilities. As Auxiliary Bishop, Father Williams will work with Archbishop Bernard Hebda to lead the church in the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese, which includes the 12-county metro area.

"I am confident the Holy Spirit will show Archbishop Hebda how I may best support him in caring for all the wonderful people of this Archdiocese," Father Williams wrote in the statement. "Please pray for us.”

Father Williams’ episcopal ordination is Jan. 25, 2022. The event will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis’ Facebook page, the archdiocese stated on its website.