Colorado Springs Bishop James Golka will lead the Archdiocese of Denver after Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down from the post, the Vatican announced on Feb. 7.
Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — has led the Colorado archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was ordained in that archdiocese in 1976 and previously served as the bishop of Fargo.
In a “farewell thank you” letter published on Feb. 7, Aquila said his heart was “filled above all with gratitude” as he prepares to enter retirement.
“From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion and mission,” the archbishop told the archdiocese.
Aquila prayed that Golka would be “strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive.”
Golka has lead the Colorado Springs diocese since 2021 after being appointed there by Pope Francis.
Born Sept. 22, 1966 in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka obtained philosophy and theology degrees at Creighton University. He served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for the Native American Missions in South Dakota before attending St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota.
After obtaining master’s degrees in divinity and sacramental theology, he was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
During his time in the Grand Island diocese he served in various capacities, including as director of diocesan youth, chair of the personnel board, director of ongoing formation of clergy and on the presbyteral council.
Upon being named as bishop of Colorado Springs in 2021, Golka said he aimed to help the faithful “become fascinated by the Lord.”
“I’m fascinated by Jesus Christ,” Golka said at the time. “It’s a gift that God gave me as a boy. I remember as a second-grader getting my first Children’s Bible. I loved reading the stories of Jesus.”
He was consecrated as a bishop on June 29, 2021.
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