Gerald Barbarito

Gerald Michael Barbarito (born January 4, 1950) is an American Catholic prelate who served as bishop of Palm Beach in Florida from 2003 until 2026. Barbarito previously served as bishop of Ogdensburg in New York State from 1999 to 2003 and as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York City from 1994 to 1999.

Biography

Early life and family Gerald Michael Barbarito, the son of Anna Marie LaPorte Barbarito and Samuel A. Barbarito, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 4, 1950. He began his studies for the priesthood at Cathedral Prep Seminary in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, graduating in 1967.

Education Barbarito continued his studies at Cathedral College in Douglaston, Queens, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1971. His theology studies took place at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, New York, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1975. Before his ordination to the priesthood, Barbarito served as a deacon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Astoria, Queens, for one year.

Ordination and pastoral work Barbarito was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Brooklyn by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brooklyn on January 31, 1976.

After his 1976 ordination, the diocese assigned Barbarito to St. Helen's Parish in Howard Beach, Queens, in New York City. He remained there until 1981, when Mugavero appointed him assistant chancellor. Barbarito held this position for one year, then went to the Catholic University of America School of Canon Law in Washington D.C. for two years. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1984.

Barbarito was assigned as regional bishop for Brooklyn Vicariate East as well as vicar for ministry for the diocese. As the vicar for ministry, he assisted with the ongoing formation of priests.

In February 2012, Barbarito signed a letter with the other Catholic bishops of Florida asking Florida Governor Rick Scott to stop the execution of Robert Waterhouse, a convicted murderer. Scott allowed Waterhouse to be executed that month.

On December 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation, after handing in his mandatory letter of resignation at the age of 75.

Barbarito is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Canon Law Society of America.

Viewpoints Barbarito is an opponent of abortion.