Denver archbishop reflects on vocation, appointment from Pope Leo

In a June 22 interview with EWTN News, Archbishop James Golka reflected on his unexpected appointment from Pope Leo XIV, saying he never anticipated being called to lead the Archdiocese of Denver.

Archbishop Golka, who was installed March 25 after serving as bishop of Colorado Springs since 2021, told the outlet that he was surprised when he learned Pope Leo had selected him to succeed Archbishop Samuel Aquila, who had led the archdiocese since 2012.

Reflecting on his appointment, Archbishop Golka said he could only speculate about why Pope Leo chose him and told EWTN that his love for Jesus and pastoral ministry may help explain the decision.

"I think,” he said, “the Holy Father wants people who love Our Lord openly, outwardly, and who are pastors who care for the people.”

Although saddened by the prospect of leaving Colorado Springs, Archbishop Golka said he immediately accepted the appointment, believing that if God was calling through the Church and the Holy Father, he had to say yes.

Calling himself "just a guy from Nebraska," Archbishop Golka said he continues to trust that God has a purpose for his appointment. He also reflected on his vocation, telling EWTN News that he once dreamed of marriage and a large family and "grieved the loss" of that future before discerning a call to the priesthood.

Archbishop Golka told the outlet that God instead called him to a life of spiritual fatherhood, a promise he believes has been fulfilled through his ministry to the faithful.

In the months leading up to his installation, both of the archbishop’s parents died. According to EWTN News, his mother died in January shortly before his appointment was announced, and his father died in March, just weeks before the installation.

Despite these losses, Archbishop Golka recalled feeling his parents' presence in a "tangible" way during his installation Mass, telling EWTN that it was a source of comfort as he began his ministry as archbishop. 

Looking ahead, Archbishop Golka said he is focused on discerning God's plans for the Archdiocese of Denver.

"God has a plan for this archdiocese and he knows why he brought me here and why he brought all of us here. I donʼt know why he made me an archbishop; Iʼm just a guy from Nebraska … But, he has a plan so we need to listen to him intently and trust that he isnʼt hiding the plan from us. He wants to show it to us. So our job then is to learn how to listen and discern.”