Pope Leo XIV Names New Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark; Accepts Resignation of Bishop Gregory Studerus

The Vatican announced today that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Pedro Bismarck Chau as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. Bishop-elect Chau, 57, is a priest of the Archdiocese and currently serves as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey.

At the same time, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Gregory J. Studerus, 77, from the Office of Auxiliary Bishop of Newark. Bishop Studerus was appointed by Pope Francis on February 27, 2020, and ordained bishop on June 29, 2020. The Bishop emeritus will remain active in the pastoral life of the Archdiocese.

Reflecting on today’s announcement, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, stated:

“I warmly welcome the Holy Father’s appointment of Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark. His deep faith, considerable pastoral experience and love for the people of God will be a great blessing to our local Church. I look forward to his contribution as we continue our mission to witness to Jesus Christ. I invite all the faithful of the Archdiocese to join me in praying for Bishop-elect Chau as he prepares to take on this new role of leadership and service.

“I am deeply grateful to Bishop Gregory Studerus for his years of faithful and generous service to the Archdiocese of Newark. His pastoral heart, wisdom and humble dedication have made a lasting impact on our local Church. I pray that this next chapter of his life will be filled with peace and continued blessings.”

Bishop-elect Chau was born on June 28, 1967, in Managua, Nicaragua. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2004 and a master’s degree in professional counseling in 2021, both from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. At Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, he was awarded a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master in Pastoral Ministry before his ordination to the priesthood on May 24, 2008.

Besides his present appointment as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Bishop-elect has worked in parishes, youth ministry, campus ministry and chaplaincy to the deaf. He has also served as member of the Priest Personnel Board and the Council of Priests. He is fluent in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

Among his responsibilities as Auxiliary Bishop, he will assume pastoral oversight for the parishes and other Catholic institutions of Hudson County, which were previously under the care of Bishop Studerus. He joins Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Michael A. Saporito and Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., in ministering to the more than 1.3 million Catholics of northern New Jersey under the leadership of Cardinal Tobin.

Cardinal Tobin will be the principal celebrant of the Mass of Episcopal Ordination for Bishop-elect Chau on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.