Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Edward M. Rice, pictured in a 2012 photo at the Vatican, to head the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo. He had been auxiliary bishop in the St. Louis Archdiocese. The appointment was announced April 26 in Washington. (CNS/Paul Haring)
by Catholic News Service
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Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Edward M. Rice, whose most recent assignment was auxiliary bishop of St. Louis, as head of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
The appointment was announced April 26 in Washington by Msgr. Walter Erbi, charge d'affairs at the papal nunciature in the United States.
Bishop Rice, 55, has served as an auxiliary bishop of St. Louis since 2010. He succeeds Bishop James V. Johnson, who was appointed bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 15.
A native of St. Louis, Bishop Rice was ordained to the priesthood for the archdiocese in 1987. He received the title of monsignor in 2008.
Editor's note: This story will be updated.