Leo XIV Promotes Bishop Who Helped Neutralize the Chiclayo Abuse Case
Pope Leo XIV today accepted the resignation of conservative Archbishop Samuel Aquila, 75, from Denver and appointed James R. Golka, 59, as his successor.
Monsignor Golka was appointed bishop of Colorado Springs by Pope Francis in April 2021. In June 2025, El País described Golka as having “similar ideological leanings as Pope Francis.”
When Golka became Bishop in Colorado Springs, the Peruvian priest Ricardo Coronado-Arrascue was serving as judicial vicar and chancellor of this diocese.
A Peruvian Canon Lawyer with Ties to Prevost
Coronado is a former Peruvian Augustinian friar who left the order in 2001 to become a diocesan priest. He knows Robert Prevost well, and the two have had tensions in the past according to CruxNow.com.
In May 2022, Coronado resigned his offices in Colorado Springs, and a settlement agreement was signed between him and the diocese.
The Making of a Disobedience Case
In June 2023, the diocese Colorado Springs stated publicly that it had received “accusations” …More
Pope Leo has named Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs as the 6th Archbishop of Denver, succeeding Archbishop Samuel Aquila (75).
Cardinal Cupich submitted his request for resignation two years ago. Not a good look for Pope Leo. The American laity request Cupich’s replacement in this era of synodality and listening. He has done untold damage to the Church
So errant conservative priest and Bishops are dealt with swiftly and without ability to appear ie Frank Pavone.
Alphabet soup friends promoted no matter how heretical or scandalous.