The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has elected Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City as its next president and Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, as vice president. The elections took place on November 11 during the bishops’ Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore.
After three rounds of voting, Archbishop Coakley was chosen by a vote of 128–109. Bishop Flores, who finished second in the initial rounds, was elected vice president. The two bishops will each serve three-year terms, succeeding Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Archbishop William Lori, respectively.
Archbishop Coakley, who has served as Archbishop of Oklahoma City since 2011, brings to the presidency more than four decades of priestly ministry marked by pastoral leadership and fidelity to Church teaching. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1955, he studied at the University of Kansas and later earned a licentiate in sacred theology. Ordained a priest in 1983, he became Bishop of Salina in 2004 and was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to Oklahoma City in 2010. His episcopal motto, Duc in Altum, “Put out into the deep”, reflects his vision of faith as a bold venture into God’s providence.
Archbishop Coakley has been a consistent advocate for the dignity of human life. He praised Oklahoma’s pro-life protections following the Dobbs decision, calling for not only legal safeguards for the unborn but also a deeper conversion of heart within society. He has also opposed the use of the death penalty, warning that it deepens cycles of violence rather than restores justice. In recent years, he has spoken against gender ideology, encouraging parents to accompany their children with compassion while rejecting medical interventions that contradict human dignity.
As the new president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, Archbishop Coakley succeeds Archbishop Broglio, under whose leadership the bishops reaffirmed that the defense of human life remains the “preeminent priority” in public policy. Coakley’s election signals continuity in this mission, united with Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on peace, mercy, and human dignity.
Bishop Daniel Flores, elected vice president, is known for his theological insight and pastoral concern for dialogue within the Church. Born in Palacios, Texas, in 1961, he was ordained in 1988 and later served as auxiliary bishop of Detroit before becoming bishop of Brownsville in 2009. Holding a doctorate in sacred theology, Bishop Flores previously chaired the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine and was one of twelve bishops serving on the Ordinary Council for the Synod on Synodality.
Bishop Flores has been an outspoken voice for unity in the Church, cautioning against polarization and urging Catholics to engage one another with civility in pursuit of the common good. His leadership on pastoral care has focused on the poor and the marginalized, in keeping with the Church’s call to see Christ in every person.
Together, Archbishop Coakley and Bishop Flores will guide the U.S. bishops’ conference through the next three years, navigating cultural and moral challenges while fostering communion, clarity, and charity among the faithful.