CINCINNATI — The nation’s 26th largest Catholic diocese — with almost 500,000 Catholics — has a new leader.

The Most Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr, coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati since Oct. 17, 2008, has succeeded the Most Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk as archbishop, becoming the 10th ordinary (presiding bishop) of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati since its founding in 1821.

Pilarczyk submitted his resignation on his 75th birthday, Aug. 12, 2009, in accord with church law. He had been archbishop for 27 years, longer than any other currently serving archbishop in the United States. Today, Dec. 21, Pope Benedict XVI officially accepted the resignation.

In a statement issued by the archdiocese, Schnurr said: “One year ago, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed me coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati, I was humbled and honored, today, after having had the opportunity to visit so many of our parishes, schools, and other institutions over the past months, I feel even more grateful and privileged. The welcome has been overwhelming, and I look forward to working with our priests, deacons, religious and lay people in building upon the solid foundation of faith that is so evident in our communities.”

The 61-year-old Schnurr has been a canon lawyer, diocesan administrator, member of the papal nuncio’s staff, organizer of the first World Youth Day and general secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

A native of Iowa, he was bishop of Duluth for seven years until being appointed coadjutor archbishop of Cincinnati.

Dayton native Pilarczyk served as president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops from 1989 to 1992. He has written more than a dozen books and many pamphlets and articles and his commentary on the daily Mass readings is heard on Catholic radio stations around the country. In retirement from administration he will continue to live in Cincinnati and celebrate the sacraments.

Schnurr has recorded a 2-minute video message to Catholics of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati: www.CatholicCincinnati.org

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.