Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Mons. Edward B. Scharfenberger from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Albany, in the United States, and has appointed as successor Mons. Mark W. O’Connell, until now auxiliary bishop of Boston. This was reported by the Holy See Bulletin on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Academic Background and Canonical Formation
Mark William O’Connell was born on June 25, 1964 in Scarborough (Ontario, Canada), within the Archdiocese of Toronto. He studied Philosophy at Boston College and Theology at Saint John Seminary in Brighton. He later obtained a doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, in Rome.
He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1990 for the Archdiocese of Boston.
Pastoral Ministries and Service in Boston
After his ordination, he served as parochial vicar in the parish of Saint Barbara in Woburn (1990-1995) and in that of Saint Mary of the Annunciation in Danvers (1995-1997). In parallel, he worked as chaplain at Salem State College.
Later, he held various positions in the canonical-legal sphere of the archdiocese: he was assistant to the moderator of the curia for canonical matters (2001-2007), deputy judicial vicar (2002-2007), and judicial vicar (2007-2016). Additionally, he served as professor of Canon Law at Saint John Seminary (2006-2016) and vice-chancellor of the archdiocese.
Episcopate and New Mission in Albany
On June 3, 2016, O’Connell was appointed titular bishop of Gigthis and auxiliary of Boston, receiving episcopal ordination on August 24 of the same year. After nearly a decade of service in Boston, Pope Leo XIV has now entrusted him with the pastoral care of the Diocese of Albany.
The diocese, located in the state of New York, has a long history of Catholic presence and covers 14 counties with more than 300,000 faithful. In recent years, it has gone through a complex financial and moral situation following the closure of several parishes and the judicial processes arising from cases of clerical sexual abuse, circumstances that have left the diocese in a stage of pastoral reconstruction.
Doctrinal Profile and Pastoral Vision
Mons. O’Connell is considered a moderate pastor within the U.S. episcopate, with a pastoral approach centered on reconciliation and accompaniment. In 2021, during the plenary meeting of the bishops of the United States, he was one of the prelates who voted against the drafting of the document on the Eucharist, which sought to reaffirm the doctrine on communion and moral life.
In statements reported by Catholic News Agency, the then auxiliary bishop of Boston explained his vote by arguing that the text “would have increased polarization within the Church” and that “it is not for a priest or layperson to deny communion to anyone.” He added that the discussions on the communion of openly pro-abortion politicians “focused excessively on abortion, leaving aside other relevant moral issues.”
His words generated debate within the episcopate, where some prelates defended a clearer stance on the relationship between eucharistic coherence and the public life of Catholics. Nevertheless, O’Connell insisted that his goal was “to preserve unity” and “to avoid the sacrament becoming a cause of division.”
A New Beginning for a Wounded Diocese
The appointment of Mons. O’Connell as bishop of Albany represents a new chapter for a diocese struck by the abuse crisis, secularization, and lack of vocations. Pope Leo XIV has chosen a pastorally conciliatory profile with legal experience, which could help stabilize internal tensions and strengthen ecclesial credibility.
However, his position on sensitive doctrinal issues could set the tone for his pastoral governance. In a context where many Catholics demand doctrinal clarity and moral firmness, his challenge will be to maintain the balance between pastoral charity and fidelity to the Church’s teaching, in a diocese that is still seeking to heal its wounds.