Interim archbishop elevated to lead Twin Cities archdiocese

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The archbishop-designate of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis says he’s surprised and humbled that Pope Francis chose him for the job.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda has been interim leader of the archdiocese since Archbishop John Nienstedt resigned nine months ago, and he had been slated to become Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, this summer. But the Vatican informed him Tuesday that he’ll be staying in St. Paul.

Hebda told reporters Thursday that he doesn’t have plans for specific changes yet, but knows there’s much work ahead as the archdiocese tries to overcome its clerical sexual abuse crisis and its resulting bankruptcy.

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