John Dolan, formerly the auxiliary bishop of San Diego, has been appointed to serve as the next bishop of Phoenix.

“I think it's going to be a warm and very pleasant place, not just in climate, but also in personality,” Dolan said in a video posted on Facebook this week. “I think the people of God here have already given me ample proof that this is a vibrant diocese, alive in Christ Jesus, and I can't wait to see more of it as I grow with you here as your new bishop, the 5th Bishop of Phoenix.” 

Pope Francis appointed Dolan to be the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix earlier this month. 

“Bishop Dolan is grateful for the appointment and looks forward to meeting the people of Phoenix," the diocese said in the post. 

Dolan earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Francis Seminary in San Diego before going on to earn master's degrees in both Divinity and Theology from St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, Calif., a report by Faithful Shepherds said. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989 and was ordained a bishop in 2017. 

Dolan replaces Bishop Thomas Olmsted, who headed the Diocese of Phoenix since 2003, American Magazine reported. 

“To the men and women, religious deacons and wives, priests, lay faithful and bishops in Phoenix, I promise my heartfelt love and prayer as we journey together toward proclaiming the good news of Jesus,” Dolan said at a press conference the magazine covered. “He is the Lord. He is our shepherd. He is our brother and our friend. And he promises us the joys of his peaceable kingdom here and in the life to come.”