Recognizing local pastoral needs, the Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict has appointed the first Hispanic bishop of the Phoenix Catholic Diocese.
Rev. Eduardo Alanis Nevares is scheduled to be consecrated to the episcopacy July 19 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix. The 56-year-old will serve as the first-ever auxiliary bishop to the Phoenix Diocese.
Bishop Thomas Olmsted said Bishop-elect Nevares comes from a wonderful Mexican-American family, with whom he maintains close bonds of love.
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive Armando Contreras said the appointment was historic for the Diocese of Phoenix at a time when people are afraid.
