Samuel Joseph Aquila (born September 24, 1950) is an American Catholic prelate who has served as Archbishop of Denver since 2012. He was Bishop of Fargo from 2002 to 2012. He is on the board of directors for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).

Biography

Early life

Aquila was born on September 24, 1950, in Burbank, California. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop James Casey on June 5, 1976, for the Archdiocese of Denver. From 1999 to 2001, Aquila served as the first rector of St. John Vianney Seminary and chief executive officer of the Our Lady of the New Advent Theological Institute there. In 2000, Pope John Paul II named Aquila an honorary prelate (monsignor).

Coadjutor Bishop and Bishop of Fargo

On May 29, 2001, Pope John Paul II named Aquila Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. He was consecrated on August 24, 2001, by Archbishop Harry Flynn. Aquila became Bishop of Fargo on March 18, 2002, upon the retirement of Bishop James Sullivan. From 2005 to 2006, Aquila served as interim administrator of the Diocese of Sioux Falls until the consecration of Paul J. Swain in October 2006.

Archbishop of Denver

On May 29, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Aquila the Archbishop of Denver. Aquila was installed in a ceremony on July 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.