The Most Reverend James R. Golka was appointed the sixth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Denver on February 7, 2026, by Pope Leo XIV. He was installed as Archbishop of Denver on March 25, 2026.
For his episcopal motto, Archbishop Golka has chosen, “Stewards of God’s Mysteries.” His ministry as shepherd is marked by a deep commitment to faithful stewardship, fostering vibrant parish life and encouraging all people to encounter Christ and live out their faith with generosity and devotion.
Archbishop Golka was born on September 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the fourth of ten children. He studied philosophy and theology at Creighton University and later earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Sacramental Theology from St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
Following years of parish ministry and diocesan leadership — including service as Vicar General and pastor of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary — he was named the third Bishop of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis on April 30, 2021, and ordained a bishop on June 29, 2021. During his time there, he worked to strengthen stewardship, expand Hispanic ministry and establish the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Divine Redeemer, in 2025.
As Archbishop, he will serve the people of Northern Colorado with a focus on deepening discipleship, strengthening the Church’s mission and forming faithful stewards of God’s gifts.
