Godfrey Mullen

Godfrey Mullen, OSB (born January 22, 1966) is an American Catholic prelate who is currently serving as the Bishop of Belleville.

Early life and education Mullen was born in Alton, Illinois on January 22, 1966. Mullen earned a bachelor's degree in history (1988), a master's degree in theology (1991), and a master of divinity (1994) from St. Meinrad College in Indiana. He later completed a Ph.D. in liturgical studies at The Catholic University of America in 2003. He joined Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana and professed solemn vows as a member of the Order of Saint Benedict on August 15, 1992.

Priesthood Mullen was ordained a priest on June 5, 1994, and served in many positions in the Diocese of Evansville, including as rector of St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, where he also served as dean of the South Deanery and administrator pro tempore of Resurrection Catholic Church. He also held the roles of vicar general and moderator of the curia for the diocese. He has also published several articles and books on liturgical topics. On May 9, 2025, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Belleville elected Mullen as diocesan administrator to lead the diocese until a new bishop was appointed.

Episcopal career

Bishop of Belleville On March 13, 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Mullen the tenth Bishop of Belleville. The appointment was announced in Washington, D.C., by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He received his episcopal consecration on May 1, 2026, from Cardinal Blase Cupich, with Archbishops Michael George McGovern and James Golka serving as co-consecrators.