Rev. Keehner was born in Youngstown and ordained a priest in 1993
NEWS RELEASE
February 12, 2025
Lea este comunicado de prensa en inglés
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Pope Francis has named Reverend John Keehner, a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio the 8th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. This appointment was made public today, February 12, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop-elect Keehner was born on November 19, 1965, in Youngstown, Ohio the son of the late John and Betty Lou Keehner. He has two brothers and a twin sister. He completed his seminary studies at the Athenaeum of Ohio, Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio and was ordained on June 12, 1993, by the Most Reverend James W. Malone. Following ordination, he was appointed parochial vicar at St. Charles Parish, Boardman, Ohio. In 1997 he began graduate studies in Canon Law at the Angelicum, Rome and returned to the diocese in 1999 as a Judge for the Diocesan Tribunal. He has served as Newman Center Chaplain for Youngstown State University, Rector of St. Columba Cathedral and as pastor of St. Christine Parish, Youngstown, St. Luke Parish, Boardman, St. Paul Parish, North Canton, Holy Spirit Parish Uniontown and most recently as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Ashtabula, Assumption Parish Geneva, Corpus Christi Parish Conneaut and St. Andrew Bobola, Sheffield.
Bishop-elect Keehner stated that he is truly humbled by and grateful for the Holy Father’s decision to name him Bishop of Sioux City. He has chosen for his episcopal motto the words of his patron saint, John the Baptist, which he speaks in reference to Jesus; He must increase, I must decrease. Bishop-elect Keehner explained that he chose these words fully conscious that if he is to serve effectively, he must choose every single day to let go of himself, to let go his ego and to allow Christ to manifest himself and to reveal His will to him.
Bishop David Bonnar is overjoyed to welcome Bishop-elect Keehner as a brother bishop. He expressed, “it is obvious that Pope Francis desires men with a shepherd’s heart to be his episcopal shepherds. Bishop – elect Keehner checks all the boxes in this regard. The Diocese of Sioux City will come to know very quickly his many gifts along with his pastoral, kind and humble zeal.”
Bishop-elect Keehner will be ordained and installed as the 8th Bishop of Sioux City on May 1, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, Sioux City, Iowa at 2 p.m. CT., 3 p.m. EST. You may view today’s press conference, which takes place at 10 a.m. CT., 11 a.m. EST, by linking to: https://www.youtube.com/dioceseofsiouxCity
