Pope Leo names new archbishop of Denver

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

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:23am

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Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs will replace retiring Archbishop of Denver Samuel Aquila starting in March, Pope Leo XIV announced on Saturday. Golka, 59, will be installed as Denver's sixth archbishop in a Solemnity of the Annunciation Mass on March 25, church officials said.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new archbishop is a significant event for the Catholic community in Denver, as the archbishop oversees the spiritual and administrative leadership of the archdiocese and its 600,000 Catholics, 148 parishes, and 31 Catholic schools.

The details

Golka was named bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis in April 2021. He will be replacing Archbishop Samuel Aquila, who submitted his retirement request to the pope on his 75th birthday on September 25 after 13 years leading the Archdiocese of Denver.

  • Bishop James Golka will be installed as the new Archbishop of Denver on March 25, 2026.
  • Archbishop Samuel Aquila submitted his retirement request to the pope on September 25, 2025, his 75th birthday.
  • Golka was named bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis in April 2021.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who announced the appointment of the new Archbishop of Denver.

Bishop James Golka

The 59-year-old bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs who will be the new Archbishop of Denver starting in March 2026.

Archbishop Samuel Aquila

The retiring Archbishop of Denver who has led the archdiocese for 13 years.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new Archbishop of Denver is an important event for the Catholic community in the city, as the archbishop provides spiritual and administrative leadership for the archdiocese and its hundreds of thousands of parishioners.