A leader in the Erie Catholic Diocese is getting ready to take on a much larger role in a new diocese. 

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Edward M. Lohse, to become the next Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The 61-year-old Bishop-elect will be ordained and installed at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, July 25. 

Lohse is currently the Vicar General of the Diocese of Erie and Pastor of St. Julia Parish church. 

"The first thing I hope to bring is the heart of Jesus Christ, if I don't bring that then all the rest is in vain," said Msgr. Lohse.

"I think they're getting a fine priest, one who is dedicated, one who has great faith in Christ and will share that faith with the people," said Bishop Lawrence T. Persico. 

Lohse will become the fifth bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo and will succeed Bishop Paul Bradley, who served the diocese since 2009.