Syracuse bishop-elect wants to be a ‘healing presence’

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - The new bishop-elect of New York’s Syracuse Diocese says he wants to be a “healing presence.”

Retiring Bishop Robert Cunningham introduced Bishop-Elect Douglas John Lucia (LOO’-shuh) at a news conference on Tuesday.

Lucia acknowledged the challenges facing the church, including the clergy sex abuse scandal.

Lucia said one of his own pastors while growing up was dismissed from the priesthood because of sex abuse allegations.

The bishop-elect says he has “seen the pain it’s caused” and “the lives it’s destroyed.”

Lucia says he views the church as a family and will work to provide a welcoming environment.

A date for his installation has not yet been announced.