Joliet Bishop Takes Leave Of Absence

JOLIET, IL — The bishop of the Diocese of Joliet announced Friday he will be taking a medical leave of absence, effective immediately. In a statement from the diocese, Bishop Daniel Conlon said he has received permission from Pope Francis to take the leave. Bishop Richard E. Pates, bishop emeritus of Des Moines, Iowa, will serve as apostolic administrator of the diocese in Conlon's absence.

Conlon, 71, "expresses his deep affection for the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Joliet and will keep them in his prayers during his time away. He also asks for their prayers," the diocese said in a statement.

Conlon was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet by Pope Benedict XVI in May 2011 and was installed in July 2011. He succeeded Bishop J. Peter Sartain, who had been named bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Pates, who will serve in Conlon's absence, was the bishop of Des Moines from 2008 to his retirement in July 2019.

"I applaud Bishop R. Daniel Conlon for undertaking a program to address his health concerns," Pates said in a statement. "He is a good bishop and will benefit from his time away.

"As I begin services as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Joliet, I welcome the opportunity to journey with the priests, deacons, religious and laity of this local Church. The diocesan community enjoys an outstanding reputation and I feel privileged to participate in your life."