Pope Leo XIV has appointed The Rev. Simon Peter Engurait to be the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, the Diocese announced Thursday morning.

The Pope accepted Bishop David Zubik's retirement resignation and has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mark Eckman as the next bishop.

Twenty days into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV’s appointment style remains largely unknown — but his years leading the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, may offer clues. There, he prioritized lay leadership, promoted synodality and worked across ecclesial factions.