Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on the
death of Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2017

It is with sadness but also with hope in the Resurrection that I learned the news that Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, died last night. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Bishop DiLorenzo’s family and all in the Diocese of Richmond.

Prior to my arrival in the Diocese of Arlington, I knew Bishop DiLorenzo as a devoted man of God. He has always been highly regarded for his firm grasp of the Church’s moral teaching and as a pastoral leader. We share the bond of having been ordained priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and of serving as Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He will be dearly missed.

During my tenure in the Diocese of Arlington it has been a privilege to serve and collaborate with him. I respected and admired his zeal for Christ, his pastoral skills, and his administrative abilities. His joy for the Catholic Faith was evident to everyone who knew him or witnessed his devoted service to God’s people.

I join Bishop Paul S. Loverde, the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Arlington in offering heartfelt prayers for the repose of the soul of Bishop DiLorenzo. May he find the peace and salvation offered by Christ, now and forever. 

St. Vincent de Paul, patron saint of the Diocese of Richmond, pray for us.