Upon the retirement of Bishop Robert N. Lynch who faithfully served as ordinary for over twenty years, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Gregory L. Parkes as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bishop Parkes was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Orlando in 1999 and was named bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 2012.
Bishop Parkes' Mass of Installation was held January 4 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Parkes introduced his family members and Godparents. He also thanked all those who participated in the Mass and were instrumental in making it special. Finally, he asked for patience as he takes the time to visit parishes and gets to know the clergy and lay faithful of his new diocese.