Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Stephen Hero as new Archbishop of Edmonton
Bishop Stephen Hero, Archbishop-Designated of Edmonton.
Edmonton, AB – Covenant welcomes the appointment of Bishop Stephen Hero as the new Archbishop of Edmonton. Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment today from Rome, marking a homecoming for the Alberta-born bishop who has spent four decades in Edmonton's Catholic community.
Archbishop-Designate Hero will be formally installed at St. Joseph's Basilica on January 23, 2026.
"I am very humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me to take up this new mission in the Church and to serve in a community that is already close to my heart," Archbishop-Designate Hero wrote in a letter to the people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Archbishop-Designate Hero's connection to Edmonton runs deep. He grew up in the city, was ordained as a priest in 2000, and served in several local parishes. He also worked as Vocations Director for the Archdiocese and later became Rector of St. Joseph Seminary before his appointment as Bishop of Prince Albert in 2021.
His return holds significance for both the local Catholic community and for Covenant, given the organization's shared history and mission with the Archdiocese.
I spent forty years of my life in Edmonton," Archbishop-Designate Hero shared in his letter. "It is impossible to estimate how much the faith of the priests and people in the Archdiocese influenced and nurtured my own faith as a young man, fostered my call to priesthood, and helped me to grow and mature in the Lord.
A partnership rooted in compassion and service
Covenant's relationship with the Catholic Church in Alberta has shaped the organization's mission to care for the whole person: body, mind and soul. The appointment of Archbishop-Designate Hero comes as Covenant continues to advance its vision to transform health care and create vibrant communities of health and healing across the province.
"Archbishop-Designate Hero’s return to Edmonton is a meaningful moment for the local Catholic community and for Covenant, given our shared history and mission," says Patrick Dumelie, President and CEO, Covenant.
Archbishop-Designate Hero plans to listen and discern with the community as he prepares to take on this new role. "Although I have a knowledge of the people and history of the Archdiocese, I look forward to returning, listening and discerning with you how the Holy Spirit is calling us to move forward together," he wrote.
His leadership in Prince Albert has shown a strong commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and community engagement. These priorities align with Covenant's own strategic focus on advancing Indigenous health and building relationships with Indigenous communities across Alberta.
Both Prince Albert and Edmonton are in Treaty Six territory," Archbishop-Designate Hero noted. "I am eager to meet the Indigenous and Métis peoples in the Archdiocese and walk with them as well as all the many diverse peoples and cultures who now share these lands.
Gratitude for transitional leadership
Covenant also extends sincere gratitude to Rev. Paul Kavanagh, who has served as Administrator for the Archdiocese of Edmonton during this period of transition.
"We are thankful for his leadership, his partnership and his steady presence over the past months,” says Dumelie.
Father Kavanagh will continue to serve as Administrator until Archbishop-Designate Hero's installation on January 23, 2026.
Covenant continues its work across 29 locations in 16 communities throughout Alberta, delivering hospital care, continuing care, mental health support, hospice care and housing for seniors. The organization looks forward to working alongside Archbishop-Designate Hero in service to all Albertans.
"Please join me in keeping Archbishop-Designate Hero in our thoughts and prayers as he prepares for this new chapter of leadership and service," Dumelie says.
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