Pope Appoints New Archbishop of Denver

Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs to succeed retiring Archbishop Samuel Aquila

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver and appointed Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs as the new Archbishop of Denver. Golka, who previously served as Bishop of Colorado Springs since 2021, will be installed as the new Archbishop in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new Archbishop is a significant event for the Catholic Church in Colorado, as the Archbishop provides spiritual leadership and oversight for the Archdiocese of Denver, which includes over 500,000 Catholics across 144 parishes.

The details

Archbishop-designate Golka, 57, was born in Grand Island, Nebraska and previously served as a Parish Vicar in Kearney, Nebraska before being appointed Bishop of Colorado Springs in 2021. During his time in Colorado Springs, he worked to increase Hispanic representation in the diocese and created the first shrine dedicated to the patroness of the Diocese, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

  • On Saturday, February 8, 2026, the Holy See Press Office announced that Archbishop Samuel Aquila's resignation had been accepted and that Bishop James R. Golka would be his successor.
  • Archbishop-designate Golka will be installed as the new Archbishop of Denver in the coming weeks.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope and head of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Samuel Aquila

The retiring Archbishop of Denver who has served in the role since 2012.

Bishop James R. Golka

The newly appointed Archbishop of Denver, who previously served as Bishop of Colorado Springs since 2021.

Archdiocese of Denver

The Catholic diocese covering the Denver metropolitan area, which includes over 500,000 Catholics across 144 parishes.

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What they’re saying

“Over the past four-and-a-half years, Archbishop-designate Golka has worked to increase the involvement and representation of Hispanic Catholics in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, and he is fluent in Spanish. In 2025, he created the first shrine dedicated to the patroness of the Diocese, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Divine Redeemer.”

— Denver Catholic (Denver Catholic)

“As we look to the future, I ask you to join me in prayerful support for my brother bishop whom the Lord has called to shepherd this Archdiocese: Archbishop-designate James R. Golka. May he be strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive. Welcome him with open hearts, confident that Christ himself remains the ultimate Shepherd of the Church.”

— Archbishop Samuel Aquila, Retiring Archbishop of Denver (Personal letter)

What’s next

Archbishop-designate Golka will be installed as the new Archbishop of Denver in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new Archbishop is a significant event for the Catholic community in Colorado, as the Archbishop provides crucial spiritual leadership and oversight for the Archdiocese of Denver. Archbishop-designate Golka's background and experience suggest he will continue the work of increasing Hispanic representation and promoting Catholic values in the region.