WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the retirement of Bishop John W. Flesey
from the office of auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark.

The announcement was publicized
in Washington on October 16 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to
the United States.

Bishop Flesey has served in the Archdiocese since 1969.

As required by Canon Law, Bishop Flesey submitted to Pope
Francis his letter offering his retirement having reached 75 years of
age.

The
Most Reverend John Walter Flesey, STD was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1942. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary
until 1969, when he was ordained.

Bishop
Flesey’s first assignment was to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Plainfield,
after which he earned an STL degree in Spiritual Theology from the Gregorian
University in Rome, and a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the University of
St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

He
also holds an MS degree in Pastoral Counseling from Iona College and an STB
from Catholic University of America.

He
has served the Archdiocese as a member of the faculty, Rector and Dean, and
Spiritual Director of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, as
well as Director of Ongoing Formation for the Priests of the Archdiocese of
Newark.

Bishop Flesey
was named Titular Bishop of Allegheny and Auxiliary Bishop of Newark in May
2004. He currently serves as Regional Bishop of Bergen County and Pastor
of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Franklin Lakes.

—
Keywords: Pope Francis, Bishop John W. Flesey, Archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic
nuncio.

# # #

Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops