George Biskup

George Joseph Biskup (August 23, 1911 – October 17, 1979) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in Indiana from 1970 to 1979.

Biskup previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines in Iowa from 1965 to 1967 and as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Dubuque in Iowa from 1957 to 1965.

Biography Early life George Biskup was born on August 23, 1911, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Frank and Julia (née Kuda) Biskup. He had an older brother, Leonard, and a younger sister, Helen. His father died when he was young and his mother had to go to work to support her young family. Biskup was educated at St. Wenceslaus School through high school. He studied at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1933. Upon his return to Iowa, Biskup served as a curate at St. Raphael's Cathedral Parish in Dubuque until 1939.

In 1948, Biskup was then called to Rome to work as an official of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. During his years in Rome, the Vatican named him as monsignor. Again returning to Iowa, he was named pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Key West, Iowa, and chancellor of the archdiocese in 1951. Biskup was appointed vicar general in 1952, and served as a chaplain at the Presentation Sisters Convent (1952–1958).

Following the resignation of Archbishop Paul Schulte, Biskup automatically succeeded him as the third archbishop of Indianapolis on January 3, 1970. He supported the concept of Total Catholic Education and established lay boards of education to govern parochial schools.