The Diocese of Phoenix entered a historic moment when Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui as auxiliary bishop in December 2025, marking only the second auxiliary bishop in the Diocese’s 56-year history.
Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona says, “We join the faithful across Arizona in prayerful support as Bishop-elect Dai Bui continues this important ministry alongside Bishop John Dolan,” she said. “We are proud to live in the fast-growing Diocese of Phoenix.”
Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui’s ordination will take place on February 17.
Additional Leadership for a Growing Diocese
For over 18 years, Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui has been a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix and will now assist Bishop John Dolan in shepherding one of the fastest-growing Catholic Dioceses in the United States. The Diocese of Phoenix is the second-largest Diocese in the United States, home to over two million Catholics.
Before arriving in the Diocese of Phoenix, he served at the Vatican from 2011-2016. He has also served in several parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix, including at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Queen Creek, Christ the King Parish in Mesa, Resurrection Parish in Tempe, and Holy Spirit Parish in Tempe. In 2022, he was appointed Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Phoenix and will continue this role as an auxiliary bishop.
As the Diocese of Phoenix continues to grow, Catholic Education Arizona joins the faithful in prayerful gratitude for Bishop-elect Bui’s leadership and vocation. His dedication to pastoral care, clergy formation, and the future of the Church will be a blessing to parishes, schools, and families throughout the Diocese.
Photo credit: Diocese of Phoenix
