Michael McGovern

Michael George McGovern (born July 1, 1964) is an American Catholic prelate who serves as Metropolitan Archbishop of Omaha.

Biography

Early life Michael McGovern was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois. on July 1, 1964 to Joseph and Eleanor McGovern. He grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood and attended Christ the King Grammar School. McGovern then entered St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, serving as a lector there and at his family's church.

McGovern entered Loyola University Chicago in 1982, where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree in 1986. After working for four years, McGovern decided to enter the priesthood. He enrolled at University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois in 1990. After his ordination, McGovern was an associate pastor at Queen of the Universe parish in Chicago from 1995 to 1998 and St. Mary in Lake Forest, Illinois from 1998 to 1999. Also in 1998, Cardinal Francis George named McGovern as associate chancellor of the archdiocese. McGovern left St. Mary in 1999 to serve as vice chancellor, then in 2000 as the archbishop’s delegate for extern and international priests. In 2003, the archdiocese assigned him as associate pastor of St. Juliana Parish. McGovern was appointed as pastor of St. Mary Parish in 2004, remaining in that position for the next 12 years.

Bishop of Belleville On April 3, 2020, Pope Francis appointed McGovern as bishop of Belleville. His consecration took place on July 22, 2020, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Belleville. His principal consecrator was Cardinal Blase Cupich, with Bishops George J. Rassas, and Edward Braxton serving as co-consecrators.

In July 2022, McGovern announced plans to sell bishop's residence; he would move to a more modest space in the Cathedral of St. Peter rectory. The proceeds would subsidize several ministries and charities, including a fund for expectant mothers and children.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Omaha On March 31, 2025, McGovern was appointed by Pope Francis as metropolitan archbishop of Omaha following the resignation of George Joseph Lucas. McGovern was installed on May 7, 2025.