Pope Leo XIV Appoints Rev. Rodriguez as Successor to Bishop Barbarito
Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Reverend Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez as the new Bishop-elect of Palm Beach. This announcement follows the resignation of Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, who is 75 years old. The details were disclosed by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, on December 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Bishop-elect Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez: A Brief Biography
Reverend Rodriguez is originally from the Dominican Republic. He was born on January 15, 1974, and became a U.S. citizen on July 25, 2018. His educational background is extensive, featuring studies at prominent institutions.
Education and Academic Qualifications
- Philosophy Degree – 1996, Pontifical University Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic
- Law Degree – 1998, Pontifical University Madre y Maestra
- Education Degree – 1997, Catholic University of Santo Domingo
- Doctorate in Legal Studies – 2003, Pontifical Salesian University, Rome
- Master’s Degree in Education – 2006, Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo
- Licentiate in Canon Law – 2016, The Catholic University of America
- Doctorate in Canon Law – 2019, University of Navarre, Spain
Priestly Journey and Appointments
Rodriguez joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1993, taking his final vows on September 22, 2002. He was ordained a priest on July 3, 2004, in the Dominican Republic, and became part of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2012. His journey includes several significant appointments:
- Director of John Bosco School, Dominican Republic (2004-2008)
- Director of Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Santo Domingo (2008-2009)
- Parochial Vicar at St. Michael Church, Brooklyn (2009-2011)
- Administrator at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn (2011-2012)
- Pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Brooklyn (2012-2014)
- Administrator and then Pastor at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Queens (2014-2020)
- Defender of the bond on the diocesan tribunal since 2017
- Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Corona, Queens (2020-present)
Language Proficiency
Father Rodriguez is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a notable successor for the Diocese of Palm Beach.
The appointment of Bishop-elect Rodriguez signals a new chapter for the diocesan leadership as he steps into his role following the tenure of Bishop Barbarito.
