Albert Rudolph Zuroweste

Albert Rudolph Zuroweste (April 26, 1901 – March 28, 1987) was an American Catholic prelate who served as bishop of Belleville in Illinois from 1948 to 1976.

Biography

Early life Albert Zuroweste was born on April 26, 190, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Henry and Elizabeth (née Holten) Zuroweste. His uncle was Frank Holten, a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. In 1914, Zuroweste entered Quincy College in Quincy Illinois. After graduating in 1918, he entered the Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, studying there until 1924. Upon his return to Illinois, he served as a curate at St. Joseph Parish in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 1931, he left St. Joseph to became superintendent of St. John Orphanage in Belleville. Zuroweste came under pressure from White residents of Cairo to recall Montroy, but gave him qualified support after demands from progressive Catholic organizations. After several shooting incidents, Montroy accused a local white group of vigilantism and St. Patrick's pastor of trying to oust him. By 1972, Zuroweste took action to evict Montroy and the organizations working in St. Columba.

Later life On August 30, 1976, Pope Paul VI accepted Zuroweste's resignation as bishop of Belleville.