The pope has named a new bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington.
According to media reports, the Rev. John Stowe was appointed early Thursday to the position. Former Bishop Ronald W. Gainer was named in January as bishop for the diocese in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, leaving the position vacant.
The Lexington diocese said the ordination and installation date for 48-year-old Stowe will be announced at a later time. The Ohio native is a Conventual Franciscan priest who has served in Texas, California and Ohio.
The Catholic Diocese of Lexington includes 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky.
