Pope Francis has named Bishop Luis R. Zarama of Atlanta to lead the Diocese of Raleigh.
Most recently, Zarama served auxiliary bishop of Atlanta. His new title will be Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh.
The appointment was announced Wednesday by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
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More than 231,200 Catholics are in the Raleigh diocese.
Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory praised Zarama’s selection but said the decision “ takes a deeply beloved brother and friend from our midst. I join Bishop-Elect Shlesinger and all of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in assuring Bishop Zarama of our prayers and warmest best wishes as he begins this new service to Christ’s church. “
Zarama’s installation will be held Aug. 29.
Zarama was born in Pasto, Colombia and attended the Conciliar Seminary there where he graduated from high school. He attended the Marian University in Pasto, earning a degree in Philosophy and Theology. He also attended the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia earning a degree in Canon Law. He was a Philosophy and Theology professor at the Carmelites School, the Learning School and the Colombia Military School for eleven years.
Zarama was ordained to the priesthood for the Atlanta archdiocese in 1993. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Atlanta. He was the first Latino priest to be named pastor in archdiocese to St. Mark Catholic Church in Clarksville and St. Helena Mission in Clayton.
On July 27, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI, named him, as Titular Bishop of Bararus and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
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