Pope Leo XIV appointed Benedictine monk Father Godfrey Mullen as the new bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois. The appointment was officially announced by the Vatican on March 13, 2026. Bishop-designate Mullen, age 60, is currently serving as the administrator of the Diocese of Belleville. The Belleville Diocese has been without a permanent bishop since May 2025, when the former bishop became archbishop of Omaha. Father Mullen holds a doctorate in liturgical studies from The Catholic University of America.
2 days ago
Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Godfrey Mullen, a 60-year-old Benedictine monk from St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois, on March 13, 2026.1 2
The appointment fills a vacancy left since May 2025, when Bishop Michael McGovern departed to become archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska.1 2
Mullen, who has served as the diocese's administrator, will be consecrated on May 1.1
Born in Alton, Illinois, Mullen moved to the Belleville Diocese at 9 months old and considers its people "my people."1
He professed as a Benedictine in 1992, was ordained a priest in 1994, and holds degrees including a bachelor's in history, master's in theology, master of divinity, and a doctorate in liturgical studies from The Catholic University of America.1 2
His roles include vicar general, rector of St. Peter Cathedral, pastor at two parishes, diocesan administrator, and professor of liturgy at St. Meinrad College; he has also authored books on liturgy.1
Established in 1887, the diocese serves 860,000 people, with 70,000 Catholics.2
It covers southern Illinois, where Mullen has deep roots and expressed fascination with Christ's presence among its faithful.1
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago praised Mullen as a distinguished professor, administrator, and pastor with over 30 years of humble service.1
Predecessor Archbishop McGovern highlighted Mullen's prayerfulness, compassion, intelligence, and humor as assets for leading the diocese.1
Mullen thanked Pope Leo XIV for the trust and affirmed his love for the local flock.1
Assess the Vatican’s criteria for appointing Benedictine monks as bishops
The Vatican appoints bishops, including Benedictine monks, through a process centered on the Roman Pontiff's authority, guided by the Dicastery for Bishops. Criteria emphasize personal suitability, pastoral experience, and ecclesial consultation, with no distinct rules for Benedictines beyond general norms for religious. Religious appointees, such as Benedictines, remain institute members but are freed from incompatible obligations.
The Supreme Pontiff freely appoints bishops or confirms legitimately elected ones, ensuring unity of the Church. The Dicastery for Bishops manages this, evaluating proposals from particular Churches, episcopal conferences, and pontifical representatives (nuncios). It consults episcopal conference officers, metropolitans, and, appropriately, the people of God in the diocese.
This process underscores the Pope's exclusive spiritual authority, distinct from political interference.
Canon 378 outlines required qualities, with the Apostolic See making the definitive judgment:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Qualities | Outstanding in solid faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence, human virtues, and other fitting qualities. |
| Reputation | Of good reputation. |
| Age and Experience | At least 35 years old; ordained priest for at least five years. |
| Formation | Doctorate or licentiate in Scripture, theology, or canon law from an approved institute, or true expertise therein. |
Candidates should be worthy priests, respected and loved by the faithful, models of faith, with pastoral experience to handle episcopal burdens. The Holy See prioritizes those equipping dioceses amid cultural diversity.
No Vatican document specifies unique criteria for Benedictine monks; general episcopal norms apply equally to secular and religious clergy. A religious raised to the episcopate remains an institute member, bound by obedience to the Pope alone, and exempt from irreconcilable obligations.
The Benedictine charism—monastic stability, prayer, and evangelization—aligns with episcopal demands, as seen in their missionary and hierarchical roles.
The Pope's mandate guarantees hierarchical communion; illicit ordinations wound the Church. Participation by others (e.g., conferences) requires explicit Apostolic See permission. Resignations follow canonical norms.
Vatican criteria prioritize virtuous, qualified priests for episcopal service, applied uniformly to Benedictine monks without differentiation. This upholds the Pope's prerogative while incorporating broad consultation, fostering bishops who embody faith and pastoral zeal.