Pope Francis accepted Omaha Archbishop George Lucas’ resignation Monday and appointed the new archbishop, Bishop Michael McGovern, as his replacement.
Lucas, who served as archbishop of the Omaha diocese for 16 years, submitted his resignation in June 2024 after he turned 75, something the Catholic Church requires of archbishops.
Lucas welcomed McGovern on a livestream Monday.
“[Bishop McGovern’s] chosen as a theme for his service as bishop, the words of Jesus to his disciples. I have called you friends,” Lucas said. “Archbishop, I can assure you that Jesus has many friends here in Northeast Nebraska, and they’re going to be anxious in the coming days to welcome you.”
McGovern said he is excited to meet and get to know Omaha’s diverse people.
“I would say Omaha is a very rich tradition of family life,” McGovern said. “It’s really a melting pot with all the different groups that have come here over the years, immigrants arriving in every generation. So, there’s always new people and opportunities to meet people, to learn about their stories, their customs, and to be able to understand their faith.”
He spoke about what he initially wants to focus on when he arrives in Omaha.
“You have a great reputation as a local church. When I think of all the activities, especially Catholic education, which is so strong here,” McGovern said. “I think working with schools, working with young people, working in health care… these are all issues that I’m interested in and ministries I’d like to participate in.”
McGovern oversaw Illinois’ Diocese of Belleville for five years before coming to Omaha.
Lucas will serve as temporary administrator until McGovern is formally made Archbishop on May 7.
Following his resignation in June, Lucas was named in an anonymous lawsuit alleging he sexually abused a minor. Lucas denied the allegations in a video he posted, in which he said “My conscience is clear, and I am at peace before the Lord.”