Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau, 57, was named an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark on Friday, May 30. This is Pope Leo XIV's second episcopal appointment in the United States. He is the first Nicaraguan-born bishop in the United States.
“I warmly welcome the Holy Father’s appointment of Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark. His deep faith, considerable pastoral experience and love for the people of God will be a great blessing to our local Church," said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark, in a statement published by the archdiocese.
Cardinal Tobin continued, saying, "I look forward to his contribution as we continue our mission to witness to Jesus Christ. I invite all the faithful of the Archdiocese to join me in praying for Bishop-elect Chau as he prepares to take on this new role of leadership and service."
Presently, Chau is a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and is the rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. He is replacing Bishop Gregory Studerus, 77, whose resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV on May 30.
Bishop Chau's background
Chau was born June 28, 1967, in Managua, Nicaragua. He graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and received a master's degree in professional counseling in 2021.
He was ordained a priest on May 24, 2008.
Aside from his work as the rector of the cathedral basilica, Chau has experience in "parishes, youth ministry, campus ministry and chaplaincy to the deaf. He has also served as member of the Priest Personnel Board and the Council of Priests."
Chau is fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, said the Archdiocese of Newark.
As an auxiliary bishop, Chau will "assume pastoral oversight for the parishes and other Catholic institutions of Hudson County, which were previously under the care of Bishop Studerus," said the Archdiocese of Newark.
The Archdiocese of Newark is led by Cardinal Tobin. Chau will join fellow Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Michael A. Saporito and Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.
Tobin will be the principal celebrant at Chau's Mass of Episcopal Ordination, which is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8. 2025, in Newark.
Crisis in Nicaragua
The new bishop's home country is facing the American continent's most aggressive persecution of the Church.
Catholic clergy in Nicaragua are subject to governmental persecution. Co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo have labeled Catholic leaders as "terrorists." More than 200 bishops, priests, and religious have either been expelled or prohibited from returning to the country, Aleteia has previously reported.
Additionally, 14 religious orders have had to leave, and over 70 Catholic-run institutions — including Caritas chapters and Catholic universities — have been shuttered.
