WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, as the new bishop of Joliet, Illinois.
The appointment was publicized in Washington Sept. 17 by Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The Diocese of Joliet has been administered by apostolic administrator Auxiliary Bishop Dennis E. Spies, named to the post when, in one of the most anticipated U.S. episcopal appointments of his pontificate so far, Pope Leo XIV appointed then-Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet as archbishop of New York on Dec. 18, 2025.
Bishop Cahill has headed the Diocese of Victoria since 2015 and began a three-year term as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration Last November after having served one year as chairman-elect.
The Joliet Diocese said Bishop Cahill’s installation Mass will be scheduled for November. Additional details regarding the installation will be announced as they become available.
Diocese receiving ‘a wonderful gift’ in Bishop Cahill’s appointment
Archbishop Hicks said the pope “has sent the Diocese of Joliet a wonderful gift” in the appointment of Bishop Cahill. “May God bless them as they begin this new chapter together.”
“Over the past eight years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Bishop Cahill, and I can say with confidence that he is a man of deep faith, with the heart of a pastor who walks with those on the margins, a contagious enthusiasm, and a true love for Jesus. His bilingual gifts, especially his fluency in Spanish, will serve the diocese beautifully,” the archbishop said.
He added that the Illinois diocese “holds a very special place in my heart” having been its bishop for five and a half years before being named to head the Archdiocese of New York.
Born on Nov. 28, 1963, in Coral Gables, Florida, in the Archdiocese of Miami, Bishop Cahill earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master of divinity from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, in collaboration with St. Mary’s Seminary.
Master’s degree in African-American studies from Xavier in New Orleans
He obtained a master’s degree in African-American studies from Xavier University in New Orleans, and a licentiate and doctorate in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
“These studies developed his knowledge and appreciation of the richness of culture in the expression of faith, and the depth of thought of the theologians and bishops involved in the Second Vatican Council,” his biography on the website of the Diocese of Victoria said.
Ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1990, he was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
He served first in parish ministry as parochial vicar at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Houston (1990–1992) and Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in Spring (1992–1994).
He later devoted more than a decade to priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, serving on its faculty from 1998 to 2001 and as rector from 2001 to 2010. From 2010 to 2014, he led the Archdiocesan Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services, before becoming vicar for clergy in 2014. He also chaired the Priest Personnel Board and was a member of the Presbyteral Council.
Bishop Cahill has served as a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Sub-committee on African-American Affairs.
On April 23, 2015, he was appointed bishop of Victoria, Texas, and he was ordained a bishop and installed on June 29 of that year.
Launched ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign as migration chair
As chairman of the USCCB Committee for Migration, he launched the “You Are Not Alone” campaign in solidarity with migrants in November 2025, started “in response to the growing fear and instability caused by increased immigration enforcement and the threat of mass deportations.”
“Human dignity does not depend on immigration status,” he said in the video posted by USCCB. “It is given by God and cannot be taken away. In this moment, many immigrant families living in our communities are grappling with real fear and uncertainty, worrying about their children, their future, and whether they will be able to remain together,” he said as many families experienced fear from ICE raids.
“As bishops and pastors, we want to speak clearly. The Church sees you, cares about you, and stands with you as children of God,” Bishop Cahill said, adding that “Our parishes are being encouraged to provide accurate information to immigrants, connect families with trusted resources, and create spaces where people can find both help and hope. Our faith teaches that every person is created in the image of God.”
Bishop Cahill also serves on the boards of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, and the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
The Diocese of Joliet covers seven counties in the north-central and eastern part of Illinois, located just south and west of Chicago. The diocese serves approximately 500,000 Catholics.
Updated Sept. 17, 2026, at 1:25 pm ET
