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Pope Leo XIV Appoints Reverend James Misko as Bishop of Tucson
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend James A. Misko, a priest of the Diocese of Austin, as the Bishop of Tucson. Father Misko currently serves as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Austin.
December 22, 2025
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend James A. Misko, a priest of the Diocese of Austin, as the Bishop of Tucson. Father Misko currently serves as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Austin. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on December 22, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Misko was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Father Misko was born on June 18, 1970, in Los Angeles, California. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Edward University in Austin (1993). Between 1991 and 2000, he had a career in the restaurant industry. He earned a Master of Arts in theological studies, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 2007 at the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. Father Misko was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 2007.
Bishop-elect Misko’s assignments include: parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish in Pflugerville (2007-2010); administrator (2010-2011) and then pastor (2011-2014) of Christ the King parish in Belton; and pastor of St. Louis King of France parish in Austin (2014-2019). Since 2019, he has served as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Austin. From March to September 2025, he also served as diocesan administrator for the diocese. Bishop-elect Misko is a native speaker of English and is proficient in Spanish.
USCCB Release
The Diocese of Austin wrote:
"This morning it was announced that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Fr. James Misko as the 8th bishop of the Diocese of Tucson. With great joy for the Church and Fr. James, I invite you to join me in congratulating and praying for him as he undertakes this new pastoral responsibility." - Bishop Daniel E. Garcia
"The Diocese of Austin has benefitted greatly from the many years of priestly ministry Fr. James has given to this local church.
"He was ordained a priest in 2007 and has served at St. Elizabeth Parish in Pflugerville, Christ the King Parish in Belton, and St. Louis Catholic Parish in Austin, prior to his appointment as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia in 2019. More recently, he served as Diocesan Administrator during the period of sede vacante before my installation in September.
"I am personally very grateful to Fr. James for his service as diocesan administrator and to me these last few months. While he will be missed, we know that he will shepherd the people of the Diocese of Tucson with his many gifts and joyful love for our Lord!
"We will share details of his episcopal ordination and installation as soon as we receive the information.
"May Our Lady of Guadalupe watch over and protect him always."
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