Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, the 13th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, died Saturday night following a brief illness, according to a spokesperson for the diocese.
Bishop Kmiec had been in declining health the past several months.
“We commend to our loving and merciful Lord the devoted soul of our brother, Bishop Edward Kmiec. He served long and faithfully the Church which he loved greatly as a priest and bishop, and as one who’s kindness, warm and pastoral spirit guided, comforted, and revealed Christ to so many throughout his nearly 60 years of priesthood. We mourn his passing, but are also joyous in the sure knowledge that he is now with the One who motivated his life’s purpose and who has called this good and faithful servant home,” says Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, Apostolic Administrator.
Pope John Paul II named Bishop Kmiec the 13th Bishop of Buffalo in 2004. He resigned in 2012 but then became Bishop Emeritus.
Funeral plans will be announced at a later time.
