Rivituso, 63, will shepherd approximately 107,870 Catholics across 83 parishes spanning Alabama's lower 28 counties12. The auxiliary bishop has served in St. Louis since his 2017 appointment by the late Pope Francis, previously working as vicar general and canon lawyer for the archdiocese's Metropolitan Tribunal2.

"The people of St. Louis have helped me to answer the call of Christ in my own life and to grow in greater holiness," Rivituso said, according to the St. Louis Review2. He expressed particular commitment to serving "those on the peripheries," citing influence from the late Pope Francis.

The appointment carries historical resonance: Rivituso was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 by Archbishop John L. May, who previously served as bishop of Mobile from 1969 to 1980 before moving to St. Louis23.

Rodi, 76, gained recognition for his leadership following Hurricane Katrina while serving as bishop of Biloxi before his 2008 appointment to Mobile1. Under his tenure, the archdiocese addressed clerical abuse scandals, with Rodi voluntarily releasing a 2018 report identifying 29 clergy credibly accused of misconduct since 19502.

Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis praised Rivituso's "outreach to those on the peripheries" and said his departure represents "a blessing that the Holy Father has recognized his gifts and talents for service to the Church of Mobile"3.

The appointment marks a notable early decision by Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope who was elected in May after serving as prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops12. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo XIV brings firsthand knowledge of American Church leadership to papal appointments.

Rivituso's installation Mass is expected within two months, though specific arrangements remain pending34. He will serve as the archdiocese's third archbishop since its 1980 elevation from diocesan status.