Bishop Michael Duca, who has served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport for the past 10 years, will be the new bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, it was announced Tuesday.
Duca is being appointed to replace Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Muench, who is retiring at the age of 75.
"I was completely surprised by this appointment, and while I am sad to leave the good people of the Diocese of Shreveport, I accepted the appointment without reservation as I see this as the will of God in my life," Duca said according to prepared remarks released by the Baton Rouge Diocese.
Duca thanked Pope Francis for the appointment and Muench for welcoming him.
Duca was ordained and installed as the second bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport on May 19, 2008.
Prior to his appointment in Shreveport, Duca served as rector at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas from 1996 to 2008.
Duca's installation as the bishop of Baton Rouge is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24.
“Join us in praying for Bishop Duca in his next appointment as Bishop of Baton Rouge, and in prayer for the Diocese of Shreveport, our Holy Father, and the shepherd he will appoint as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport,” a post on the Diocese of Shreveport's Facebook page stated Tuesday morning.
There will be a press conference at 10 a.m. in Baton Rouge today and a press conference Wednesday in Shreveport, according to the Diocese of Shreveport.