On May 29, 2017, Pope Francis named Father William A. Wack the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Bishop-elect Wack, a member of the religious order Congregation of the Holy Cross, is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and was ordained to the priesthood in 1994. Most recently, he has been serving as pastor of St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in the Diocese of Austin, Texas.
"Now I know for sure that God is merciful, having called this sinner to serve in this capacity," Bishop-elect Wack said in a
May 29 statement. "The first words which came to mind when I heard of the appointment were, 'Lord I am not worthy ... but only say the Word ... .' With joy and zeal, I accept this appointment, and I am thrilled to begin service to God's people as a bishop."
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has been under the leadership of diocesan administrator Reverend Monsignor James Flaherty since January 2017 when the diocese's fifth bishop, Gregory Parkes, was installed as bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bishop Parkes extends his sentiment of joy to both the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and it new shepherd, "Bishop-elect Wack and the diocese will be in my prayers during this time of transition."
Bishop-elect Wack's episcopal ordination is scheduled for August 22, 2017.