Local Mass for the new Archdiocese celebration moved from Oct. 2 to Oct. 16, 2023. Read More.
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LAS VEGAS IS NOW
AN ARCHDIOCESE! -
SPECIAL ARCHDIOCESAN MASS
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Mass of Canonical Establishment of the Archdiocese & Imposition of the Pallium on Archbishop Thomas
Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer Monday, October 16, 2023 | 2:00pm
Due to seating restrictions, this Mass is by ticket only.
The Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Archbishop of Las Vegas
Principal Celebrant
His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Representative of His Holiness Pope Francis
Concelebrant and Homilist
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Meet ARCHBishop George Leo Thomas, PH.D.
Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D. is the first Archbishop of Las Vegas, when Pope Francis elevated Las Vegas to an Archdiocese in 2023. Archbishop George Leo Thomas was appointed Bishop of Las Vegas by Pope Francis on February 28, 2018, and was installed as Bishop of Las Vegas on May 15, 2018. Archbishop Thomas previously was Bishop of Helena, Montana, and an Auxilary Bishop in Seattle, Washington.
Meet Archbishop Thomas
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MASS WITH POPE FRANCIS IN ROME
The Pallium Mass is a special Mass celebrated on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, where Pope Francis blesses the Pallium upon newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops from around the world.
Archbishop Thomas from Las Vegas was the only Archbishop from the United States to receive this special vestment from Pope Francis in 2023.
The Pallium is a white woolen vestment symbolizing their authority and unity with the Pope. It signifies their role as shepherds and leaders of their respective Archdioceses.Watch the special Mass from Rome.
Worship Aid for Pallium Mass
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Watch the May 30, 2023 Press COnference
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Frequently Asked Questions
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- An ecclesiastical province is a territory consisting of an Archdiocese (known as the “metropolitan See”) and includes several Dioceses (known as “suffragan Sees”). The metropolitan archbishop is the head of his Archdiocese, and while he has no direct power of governance over the suffragan Dioceses in his province, through canon law (Church law), he supports them in matters of faith and discipline and provides fraternal pastoral care to his brother Bishops. In this newly created province, the Archdiocese of Las Vegas is the metropolitan see, and the Diocese of Reno and the Diocese of Salt Lake City are the suffragan Sees. A Metropolitan Archdiocese is a higher-level ecclesiastical jurisdiction within the Catholic Church. It serves as the central authority over a group of Dioceses in a specific region, known as a province.
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- A Metropolitan Archdiocese is established by the Holy See (the Vatican) based on certain criteria, such as the size, population, importance of the region, and other factors. The Diocese of Las Vegas was elevated to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas after a lengthy consultation process.
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- No, a Diocese is part of only one province. The province is determined based on the geographical location of the Diocese.
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- Major decisions within a Metropolitan Archdiocese, such as the recommendations for the nomination of bishops or significant policy changes, are made by the Metropolitan Archbishop in consultation with the other bishops of the province. However, certain matters may require approval from the Holy See.
- Major decisions within a Metropolitan Archdiocese, such as the recommendations for the nomination of bishops or significant policy changes, are made by the Metropolitan Archbishop in consultation with the other bishops of the province. However, certain matters may require approval from the Holy See.
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- Dioceses within the Ecclesiastical province benefit from the support and guidance of the Metropolitan Archbishop and Archdiocese. They also participate in joint initiatives, conferences, and pastoral programs organized at the provincial level.
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- A Diocese may be elevated to the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese by the Holy See. This usually happens when the Diocese experiences significant growth, when there is a need for stronger coordination and leadership within the province, or is a place of historical importance.
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- Yes. There is another row of tassels added for the rank of Archbishop and a Metropolitan Cross with double cross beams. Both of these symbols are added for Archbishops.
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- Yes. Archbishop Thomas will be traveling to Rome to receive the pallium from Pope Francis on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. A small pilgrimage group from Las Vegas will also be attending.
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- On October 16, 2023, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States (Ambassador of the Holy See), Archbishop Christophe Pierre will be vesting Archbishop Thomas with the pallium in Las Vegas, during a special Investiture Mass at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer. More details will follow.
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INFORMATION FOR THE MEDIA/MEDIA KIT
