Pope Elevates US Air Force Chaplain to Bishop
Updates on the elevation at Stars and Stripes and AF.mil.
Air Force Chaplain (Maj) Chad Zielinski, currently the deputy wing chaplain at Eielson AFB, was recently selected by Pope Francis to be the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska. According to the Air Force announcement, it is the first time an active duty chaplain has been elevated to bishop.
“I was very shocked and humbled to be chosen by the Holy Father,” Zielinski said. “I’m looking forward to the new venture and challenges, but by the grace of God and the talents of the people around me the transition should be smooth.”
Chaplain Zielinski previously served at the US Air Force Academy, and received accolades there, as well.
The article indicates the chaplain will continue to serve in the Air Force Reserve while he is the bishop.