NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Vatican appointed a 45-year-old priest from the Bronx as an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, which will make him the youngest bishop in the United States once he is consecrated.
Father Joseph A. Espaillat currently serves as priest of St. Anthony's of Paduah Parish as well as director of the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal for New York archdiocese. He was ordained into the priesthood in 2003.
The young priest, who goes by "Father J," brings his teachings outside of the walls of the church as a host of a podcast called "Sainthood in the City '' where Espaillat discusses the intersection of faith and culture.
Bishop-elect John Bonnici (far left) and Bishop-elect Joseph Espaillat (far right)Archdiocese of New York via Facebook
"We're going to talk about Pop Smoke. We're going to talk about Kanye. We're going to talk about Kim Kardashian. We're going to talk about everything under the sun, and Cardi B," Espaillat said in a promotion for the podcast.
The Catholic News Agency reported Espaillat's other interests include playing basketball, softball, writing poetry and rapping.
Along with Espaillat, The Vatican announced the appointment of John S. Bonnici as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese. Both priests will be ordained into the episcopacy on March 1.
