Harrisburg Bishop dies in Philly
The Diocese of Harrisburg said today that Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, 65, died "unexpectedly" in Philadelphia after reporting that he felt ill, according to a statement the diocese released.
"It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Bishop Joseph P. McFadden. He died unexpectedly while attending a meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania being held in Philadelphia," the statement said.
According to the statement, Bishop McFadden awoke in a rectory and reported he was feeling ill. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 7:40 a.m. The cause of death has not been announced.
The diocese will have eight days to elect an administrator who will be in charge of the day to day operation until a new Bishop is appointed by Pope Francis.
Bishop McFadden was the tenth Bishop of Harrisburg. He was appointed on June 22, 2010 by then Pope Benedict XVI. He was installed as Bishop of Harrisburg on August 18, 2010 in St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg.
"I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Bishop Joseph McFadden of the Diocese of Harrisburg," Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said in a statement. "I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be with him over the last few days at the Annual Spring Meeting of the Pennsylvania Bishops and spend time in conversation with him."
McFadden was a native Philadelphian, and he served in the city as a priest an auxiliary bishop in the past. He would have turned 66 on May 22.