Texarkana native to lead Michigan diocese

Bishop Robert D. Gruss smiles after thanking the community for attending at the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich,, Friday, May 24, 2019. The Diocese of Saginaw announced Friday that 63-year-old Bishop Robert D. Gruss will serve as its seventh bishop. His installation in Saginaw is scheduled for July 26. (Kaytie Boomer/Saginaw News via AP)
Bishop Robert D. Gruss smiles after thanking the community for attending at the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich,, Friday, May 24, 2019. The Diocese of Saginaw announced Friday that 63-year-old Bishop Robert D. Gruss will serve as its seventh bishop. His installation in Saginaw is scheduled for July 26. (Kaytie Boomer/Saginaw News via AP)

SAGINAW, Mich. — A Catholic diocese in Michigan says Pope Francis has selected the bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City in South Dakota as the Michigan diocese's next bishop.

The Diocese of Saginaw announced Friday that 63-year-old Bishop Robert D. Gruss will serve as its seventh bishop. His installation in Saginaw is scheduled for July 26.

Gruss has served as bishop of Rapid City since 2011. He was born in Texarkana, Ark., and was ordained to the priesthood in 1994.

Saginaw's Bishop Joseph Cistone died last year and Bishop Walter Hurley was appointed apostolic administrator, serving as caretaker for the diocese until a new bishop was selected. The Saginaw diocese includes Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Sanilac, Saginaw and Tuscola counties.

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