Denver Archdiocese Names New Archbishop with Lawrence Ties

Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop James R. Golka as the sixth Archbishop of Denver

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop James R. Golka, 59, as the new Archbishop of Denver. Archbishop-designate Golka, who is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, will succeed Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, 75, who has led the Archdiocese of Denver since 2012. Golka will be installed as Denver's 6th Archbishop during a Mass on March 25, 2026. Golka is the son of Lawrence, Nebraska natives Patricia (Ostdiek) Golka and Robert Golka, and the grandson of Hubert and Louise Ostdiek, also from the Lawrence area.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new Archbishop is a significant event for the Catholic Church, as the Archbishop is the chief shepherd of the diocese and responsible for providing spiritual leadership to over 600,000 Catholics in Colorado. Golka's Lawrence roots also connect the appointment to the local community.

The details

Archbishop-designate Golka, 59, is the current Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. He will succeed Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, 75, who has been chief shepherd of the Archdiocese of Denver since 2012. Golka will be installed as Denver's 6th Archbishop during a solemn Mass on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Upon his installation, Archbishop-designate Golka will assume pastoral responsibility for Colorado's largest diocese and metropolitan see, which is home to more than 600,000 Catholics, 148 parishes and 31 Catholic schools.

  • On April 30, 2021, Pope Francis named Golka the third Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
  • Golka's episcopal ordination took place on June 29, 2021, at Holy Apostles Church in Colorado Springs.
  • Golka will be installed as the 6th Archbishop of Denver on March 25, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope of the Catholic Church.

Bishop James R. Golka

The 59-year-old current Bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, who has been named the new Archbishop of Denver.

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila

The 75-year-old current Archbishop of Denver, who Golka will be succeeding.

Patricia (Ostdiek) Golka

The mother of Archbishop-designate Golka, who is a native of Lawrence, Nebraska.

Robert Golka

The father of Archbishop-designate Golka, who is also from Lawrence, Nebraska.

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What’s next

Archbishop-designate Golka will be installed as the 6th Archbishop of Denver during a solemn Mass on March 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Bishop Golka, who has ties to the Lawrence, Nebraska community, as the new Archbishop of Denver represents an important transition of leadership for the Catholic Church in Colorado and connects the archdiocese to the local community.