Pope Leo XIV has appointed several new bishops in the United States, including the Rev. Gary R. Studniewski as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington. Studniewski’s background spans military service and pastoral ministry; he served in the U.S. Army during the 1980s before his ordination as a priest in 1995. He subsequently returned to the Army as a chaplain, rising to the rank of colonel over an 18-year career, before rejoining the archdiocese in 2014. Most recently, he has been serving as pastor at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Another significant appointment comes with the elevation of Robert Boxie III, who is reportedly the first Black bishop named in the United States in nearly a decade. Speaking at a Friday morning news conference, Boxie expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the recognition of both his personal faith community in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and the wider community he currently serves, including Howard University. Boxie’s appointment is seen as a meaningful step reflecting the Church’s acknowledgment of African American Catholics.

Studniewski emphasized the unity found in the Archdiocese of Washington’s diverse population, quoting scripture that he says will serve as his motto: “My grace is enough for you. It is in weakness that power reaches perfection.” His remarks underscored the spirit-filled nature of the community he will serve.

These appointments occur in the context of Pope Leo’s broader strategy since ascending to the papacy last May to elevate U.S. clergy who have been vocal on issues where the Church’s positions diverge from former President Donald Trump’s policies. This includes areas such as immigration enforcement and efforts to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Evelio Menjivar, the first Salvadoran-born bishop in the United States and auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington since 2023, has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and its stance on DEI initiatives. Menjivar, who endured multiple attempts to flee civil war in El Salvador before eventually emigrating to the United States, has spoken publicly about the importance of diversity as a reflection of God’s creation. His views have drawn attention to the Church’s engagement in social justice issues and immigration reform debates.

Observers see Pope Leo’s recent appointments as deliberate signals reaffirming the Church’s commitment to these concerns amidst political tensions. Greg Erlandson, a veteran Catholic news commentator, described the selections as “no accident,” suggesting the pontiff is using episcopal appointments to affirm the Church’s support for immigrants and racial justice during a period marked by challenges to these values under the Trump administration.

Ecclesiology expert Massimo Faggioli noted historical parallels, explaining that the pope’s authority to appoint bishops who may not align with government positions reflects longstanding tensions between ecclesiastical and secular power. Faggioli highlighted the significance of Pope Leo asserting his prerogative to choose bishops who embody the Church’s stance independently of political pressures.

The Vatican press office did not provide immediate comment on the appointments. Nonetheless, the newly named bishops symbolize Pope Leo’s ongoing efforts to position the U.S. Church as a vocal advocate on issues of immigration, diversity, and social justice in an era of heightened sociopolitical division.