Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz experienced the calling and desire to serve others through the clergy while in high school.
Kurtz is the 4th archbishop, the 9th bishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville, and Benedict XVI appointed him Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. He served from 1972 – 1999 in the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., receiving the distinguished title of monsignor in 1986. He moved on to be the bishop of Knoxville, Tenn. until 2007.
The Archdiocese of Louisville is the oldest Roman Catholic Archdiocese west of the Appalachians, covering 24 counties and hosting a Catholic population of greater than 200,000 individuals. In 2010, Kurtz was elected to a 3-year term as vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, serving on the executive and administrative committees.
Among his numerous roles and titles, Kurtz is the vice chancellor of the Board of the Catholic Extension Society and the Episcopal advisor to the Catholic Social Workers National Association.