Washington: Bishop Patrick Neary, shepherd of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, has been appointed the new chair of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) board of directors, one of the most influential roles in the U.S. Church’s global humanitarian outreach. His appointment was made by Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and takes effect immediately. Bishop Neary will serve in the position through November 2028, succeeding Archbishop Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia.
In a statement released by CRS, Bishop Neary expressed gratitude and a deep sense of mission as he steps into the leadership role.
“It is a profound honor to serve as chairman of the Catholic Relief Services board,” he said. “My years in Africa and in parish ministry have shown me the face of Christ in the poor and the vulnerable, and I carry those encounters with me into this role.”
Bishop Neary highlighted CRS’s commitment to walking compassionately with communities in crisis and praised Archbishop Pérez for his dedicated leadership.
“I hope to lead with a heart of mercy,” he added, “listening and working alongside our partners to uphold the dignity of every person. Together, we will continue to bring the light of Christ to communities around the world, especially those most in need.”
Bishop Neary has been the bishop of Saint Cloud since December 2022, after being appointed by Pope Francis. His pastoral life has been marked by extensive missionary experience: he spent eight years in Kenya and Uganda, serving in formation and parish ministry before returning to the United States. He later became rector of Holy Redeemer Parish in Portland, Oregon, and previously served as rector at the University of Notre Dame, where he was ordained a priest in 1991.
Sean Callahan, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, welcomed Bishop Neary’s appointment with confidence.
“We are delighted for Bishop Neary to join as CRS chairman of the board of directors,” Callahan said. “We are certain that he will bring strong leadership and help CRS continue our mission of lifesaving work and advocacy for our sisters and brothers around the world.”
Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, serves 225 million people in 122 countries each year through 1,735 global partners, according to its latest data. Its programs span emergency relief, food security, refugee support, healthcare, agriculture, education, and long-term development.
Bishop Neary’s appointment is expected to strengthen CRS’s commitment to mercy-driven leadership and deepen the agency’s global outreach at a time when humanitarian needs continue to rise across conflict zones and vulnerable regions worldwide.