SPOKANE, Wash. – Leaders with the Catholic Diocese of Spokane revealed Thursday morning that Bishop Thomas Anthony Daly from San Jose, California will become the next Bishop of Spokane.
"It is a great privilege to be selected by Pope Francis to be the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Spokane," said Bishop Daly.
Daly, 54, is originally from San Francisco.
He was ordained a priest for the San Francisco Archdiocese in 1987, according to the Diocese Sacramento website. He was the first Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of San Jose, and was appointed to that position in 2011.
"I sat on the board of charities in San Francisco which as you well may know is a progressive city, with a church though that is long established we faced some very challenging questions and I always felt the principle that guided me was compassion always, compromise never," said Bishop Daly. "That is compromising the teachings of Christ, we can't because their the truth."
At his introductory press conference, Bishop Daly talked about the difference between optimism and hope. Daly said he describes that as a reality grounded in faith.
Bishop Daly also explained the meaning behind his motto, "Into Your Hands."
"It's a motto of surrender, trust, and a call to humility," Daly said.
Bishop Daly said his guiding principle is "Compassion always, compromise never."
He said he actually learned of the news last month, but did not answer his cell phone at first.
"I didn't answer my cell phone and my secretary called from the diocese and said the nuncio has phoned you," said Bishop Daly.
He said he is no stranger to Spokane. He has been here eight times, and is a fan of Gonzaga University basketball.
When asked about his first year plan, Bishop Daly said he wants to implement the pastoral plan, but also wants to get to know the people here.
"I've loved being a priest for 28 years and a bishop going on four, the role of a bishop is a bit more serious as you well know," said Bishop Daly.
KREM 2 News' Frances Wang, who is also from California, asked Bishop Daly how he would deal with the weather change.
He said it will be hard for him to adjust from California, but he has family in Montana and has had a little practice.
"I'm hopeful about this assignment it is at times i anticipate it won't be easy, there's a difference between being hopeful and optimistic," said Bishop Daly.
Bishop Daly replaces former Spokane Bishop Blase Cupich, 65, who left in 2014 to serve as the Archbishop of Chicago.
Bishop Daly's instillation as Bishop of Spokane is set for May 20 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
