Pope appoints Austin priest as new Tucson bishop

Father James Misko, a priest from Texas, has been named as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tucson by Pope Leo XIV, Catholic officials said Monday morning.

Misko will be installed in his new position in Southern Arizona in February. He replaces Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger, who was named as the archbishop of Detroit by the late Pope Francis in February.

Misko, who was ordained as a priest in 2007, has been serving as the vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Austin.

Bishop Gerald Kicanas, who retired in 2017 but has been leading the Tucson Diocese as the apostolic administrator since Weisenburger’s elevation, said “We are blest that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, sent a beautiful Christmas gift in the person of Bishop-elect James Misko. I’m confident our new shepherd will serve our diocese lovingly and faithfully as he guides and strengthens our community.”

Following a morning press conference Monday, Misko is scheduled to meet with members of the local Catholic church and the community at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. He will then celebrate mass at noon.

The 55-year-old was born in Los Angeles, and raised in Texas. He is proficient in Spanish, church representatives said.

He received a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Edward University in Austin (1993), Catholic Church officials said. 

Between 1991 and 2000, he had a career as a manager in the restaurant industry, church representatives said. 

He earned a master of arts in theological studies, a master of divinity, and a bachelor of sacred theology at the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

From the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Bishop-elect Misko’s assignments include: parochial vicar of St.
Elizabeth of Hungary parish in Pflugerville (2007-2010); administrator
(2010-2011) and then pastor (2011-2014) of Christ the King parish in
Belton; and pastor of St. Louis King of France parish in Austin
(2014-2019). Since 2019, he has served as vicar general and moderator of
the curia for the Diocese of Austin. From March to September 2025, he
also served as diocesan administrator for the diocese.

Misko’s ordination as bishop of Tucson is set to take place at St. Augustine Cathedral on Feb. 26, 2026.

The Diocese of Tucson covers nine counties in Southern Arizona, with
about 400,000 active members over 42,000 square miles, church
representatives said.