Our Bishop

The Diocese of Fairbanks does not currently have a bishop (sede vacante). 

From November 2014 to July 2022, Bishop Chad W. Zielinski served as bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks. On July 12, 2022, Pope Francis named Bishop Chad as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota. 

On September 27, 2022, Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario, CM was named as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Fairbanks. Archbishop Bellisario serves as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. 

All the faithful are invited to join in praying for a new bishop for the Diocese of Fairbanks. 

Prayer for a New Bishop

Almighty God, who by the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of Your people, 
Direct the counsels of those who are appointed to choose a bishop for the Diocese of Fairbanks,
That we may be given a pastor who, in faithfulness and wisdom,
Shall lead Your people in the way of holiness.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
Mary, Mother of the Church, Pray for us.