The Vatican announced May 24 that Pope Francis appointed Father Erik Pohlmeier the next bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida. For 24 years, Father Pohlmeier served as a pastor in the Diocese of Little Rock, which encompasses the entire state of Arkansas
Raised in Paris, Ark., Father Pohlmeier was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Little Rock on July 25, 1998. before his episcopal appointment, he was pastor of the largest parish in Little Rock, Christ the King Church, and director of the Office of Faith Formation and Office of Deacon Formation. He was the theological consultant for Arkansas Catholic newspaper for 19 years and director of continuing education of clergy since 2019.
In his new appointment, Father Pohlmeier succeeds Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, who has served as bishop for the past 11 years and is retiring. He will be installed as the 11th bishop of St. Augustine Friday, July 22 with Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami presiding at the ordination liturgy. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock and Bishop Estevez will be co-consecrators.
