Pope Names Bishop James Golka as New Archbishop of Denver

The Holy See Press Office announced the appointment of Bishop James R. Golka to succeed Archbishop Samuel Joseph Aquila.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the U.S. Archbishop of Denver, Colorado, Samuel Joseph Aquila. As his successor, Pope Leo appointed Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Born in Grand Island, Nebraska in the United States on September 22, 1966, Golka earned a degree in Philosophy from the Creighton University.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new archbishop is an important event for the Catholic Church and the Denver community, as the archbishop serves as the spiritual leader and administrator for the archdiocese.

The details

After completing his time at Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity in Minnesota, Golka was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grand Island in 1992. He later served as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Colorado Springs before being appointed as the new Archbishop of Denver.

  • On February 7, 2026, the Holy See Press Office announced the appointment of Bishop James R. Golka as the new Archbishop of Denver.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope and head of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Samuel Joseph Aquila

The former Archbishop of Denver, Colorado, who has resigned from his position.

Bishop James R. Golka

The newly appointed Archbishop of Denver, Colorado, who previously served as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

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The takeaway

The appointment of Bishop James Golka as the new Archbishop of Denver marks a transition in the Catholic Church's leadership in the region, as he takes over from the retiring Archbishop Aquila.