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Bishop's Seat

Bishop

Most Reverend Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, LL.B., J.C.D.

Bishop Barbarito

A native of the Dominican Republic, Bishop Rodríguez was ordained to the priesthood July 3, 2004, in Santo Domingo, and became affiliated with (incardinated into) the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, on June 29, 2012. He is a canon lawyer with extensive experience in penal canon law and pastoral leadership. Besides his parish responsibilities in Queens, he serves in senior juridical roles in the Brooklyn Diocese, including promoter of justice and delegate of the diocesan bishop for penal cases. Bishop-Elect Rodríguez is fluent in four languages (English, Spanish, Italian and French).   

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Corona (Queens), New York, as the sixth Bishop of Palm Beach. The bishop-elect succeeds Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, who has served the diocese since 2003.

Curriculum Vitae

Click here to download the Curriculum Vitae

Click here to download the Curriculum Vitae in Spanish

Catholic priest and canon lawyer with extensive experience in penal canon law and pastoral leadership. Currently serving in senior juridical roles within the Diocese of Brooklyn, including Promoter of Justice and Delegate of the Diocesan Bishop for Penal Cases. Combines advanced canonical scholarship, international academic formation, and long-standing parish leadership.

ORDINATION & INCARDINATION

  • Diaconal Ordination: June 29, 2003 – Rome, Italy
  • Presbyteral Ordination: July 3, 2004 – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • Incardination in the Diocese of Brooklyn: June 29, 2012, Diocese of Brooklyn
  • Ordination and installation as Bishop of Palm Beach: February 24, 2026, Diocese of Palm Beach

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D.), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, 2024
  • Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.), The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, 2016
  • M.S. in Education, Universidad INTEC, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2008
  • M.S. in Administration of Educational Centers, Universidad INTEC, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2005
  • B.A. in Theology, Pontificia Università Salesiana, Rome, Italy, 2003
  • B.A. in Law, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic, 1998
  • B.A. in Education (Literature Specialization), Universidad Católica Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 1997
  • B.A. in Philosophy, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic, 1996

DIOCESAN & CANONICAL APPOINTMENTS

  • Promoter of Justice, Diocese of Brooklyn (2025–2026)
  • Delegate of the Diocesan Bishop for Penal Cases, Diocese of Brooklyn (2025–2026)
  • Defender of the Bond, Diocese of Brooklyn (2017–2026)
  • Priest Instructor for Cases of Removal from the Clerical State, Diocese of Brooklyn (2016–2026)

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

  • Bishop, Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida (2026-present)
  • Pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Corona (Queens), NY (2020–2026)
  • Pastor, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Jamaica (Queens), NY (2014–2020)
  • Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Williamsburg (Brooklyn), NY (2011–2014)
  • Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish, Sunset Park (Brooklyn), NY (2009–2011)

ACADEMIC & FORMATION EXPERIENCE

  • Theology and Canon Law Instructor, Holy Spirit Institute, Diocese of Brooklyn (2009–2020)
  • Professor of Philosophy and Professional Ethics, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (1996–1998; 2004–2009)

LANGUAGES

Spanish (native) · English (fluent) · Italian (fluent) · French (fluent)

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