Francis Peter Leipzig

Francis Peter Leipzig (June 29, 1895—January 17, 1981) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of Baker City in Oregon from 1950 to 1971.

Biography

Early life Francis Leipzig was born on June 29, 1895 in Chilton, Wisconsin, the fourth child of Francis and Mary (née Cordy) Leipzig. He enrolled at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but later moved with his family to Portland, Oregon. He attended Mount Angel Seminary in St Benedict, Oregon, and then studied theology at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California.

Priesthood Leipzig was ordained to the priesthood in Portland for the Archdiocese of Oregon City by Archbishop Alexander Christie on April 17, 1920. He served as a curate at St. James Parish in McMinnville, Oregon, and afterwards at Good Shepherd Parish in Sheridan, Oregon. Between 1962 and 1965, Leipzig attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council in Rome. During his 21-year-tenure as bishop, he built over 95 churches, hospitals, schools, and convents.

Retirement and death After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Leipzig resigned as bishop of Baker on April 26, 1971. He died in Beaverton, Oregon, on January 17, 1981, at age 85.