The Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila was named the archbishop for the Archdiocese of Denver on May 29, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.
For his episcopal motto Archbishop Aquila has chosen, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn. 2:5). His ministry as shepherd of the people of northern Colorado is dedicated to helping every person experience the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and be moved by that encounter to a lasting commitment to share the Gospel with enthusiasm, creativity and joy.
Archbishop Aquila was born on September 24, 1950, in Burbank, Calif. He was ordained to the priesthood in Denver on June 5, 1976, and served the Archdiocese of Denver for 25 years before being appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Fargo, N.D. on June 12, 2001. On March 18, 2002, he became bishop of Fargo upon the retirement of Bishop James Sullivan. He was installed as the eighth archbishop on July 18, 2012.