Full Breakdown
Pope Leo XIV Appoints Monsignor Peter Dai Bui as Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix
12/20/2025, 6:50:33 AM
Appointment Announcement
On December 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Reverend Monsignor Peter Dai Bui as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix. This announcement was made public by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. Monsignor Bui, who has served as a priest in the Diocese of Phoenix for over 18 years, will assist Bishop John Dolan in his new role while continuing his responsibilities as the Vicar for Clergy.
Background of Bishop-elect Bui
Monsignor Bui was born on January 11, 1970, in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. In 1977, at the age of four, he fled with his family to escape religious and political oppression, eventually settling in New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered the Legion of Christ Novitiate in 1989 and was ordained to the priesthood on December 24, 2003. His early ministry included serving as a chaplain in Venezuela and Colombia, where he organized mission trips to the Amazon. Bui was incardinated into the Diocese of Phoenix in 2009 and has held various pastoral roles, including at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Queen Creek and Holy Spirit Parish in Tempe.
Significance of the Appointment
Monsignor Bui's appointment marks him as the second auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Phoenix's nearly six-decade history, joining Bishop Eduardo Nevares, who was appointed in 2010. The Diocese of Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing dioceses in the United States, with over two million Catholics. Bishop Dolan emphasized that Bui's experience and commitment to pastoral care will be crucial in addressing the increasing complexity of church governance in the rapidly expanding community.
Official Statements
Bishop John Dolan expressed gratitude for Bui's appointment, stating, “As one of the largest and most rapidly growing dioceses in the nation, Phoenix faces increasing pastoral and administrative complexity, and Bishop-elect Bui’s experience in governance, his deep care for priests, and his commitment to accompaniment will be invaluable.” Monsignor Bui himself expressed his shock and gratitude upon receiving the news, stating, “I just want to be a good priest, now called to serve in a new way. I am profoundly grateful for this appointment and for the trust Pope Leo XIV has placed in me.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the appointment has been largely welcomed, some community members have raised concerns about the challenges of integrating new leadership within a diverse and expanding diocese. However, no specific dissenting voices were reported in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am deeply grateful to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the appointment of Monsignor Peter Dai Bui as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix,” — Bishop John Dolan, Diocese of Phoenix
- “When Cardinal Pierre called with the news, I was honestly in shock—I even forgot he couldn’t see me nodding through the phone!” — Monsignor Peter Dai Bui
Monsignor Bui's appointment reflects the Catholic Church's ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its growing congregations, ensuring that leadership remains responsive to the faithful.
