Bishops of the Diocese of San Bernardino

The Diocese of San Bernardino has been guided by great Bishops whose leadership has shaped the faith and growth of our local Church: Bishop Alberto Rojas, Bishop Gerald Barnes, and Bishop Phillip Straling. Together, their ministry has strengthened our parishes, served our communities, and helped form a vibrant Catholic presence in the Inland Empire.

Bishop Alberto Rojas

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, announced on Monday, December 2, 2019 that Pope Francis has named Bishop Alberto Rojas as the Coadjutor Bishop of San Bernardino.

Bishop Rojas, became the third Ordinary Bishop in the 41-year history of the Diocese of San Bernardino on Monday, December 28, 2020


Bishop Emeritus Gerald R. Barnes

The Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes was appointed the second Bishop of San Bernardino by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on Dec. 28, 1995. He had served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese since March 18, 1992.

His episcopacy has been marked by the establishment of a pastoral planning process to guide the diocese through its tremendous growth, recognition and empowerment of the many cultures in the diocese and the creation of a Ministry Formation Institute to increase lay leadership in the diocese.

Bishop Barnes retired in December 2020.


Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio J. del Riego

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio J. del Riego was ordained as the Diocese of San Bernardino's third Auxilliary Bishop on September 20, 2005 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Chino Hills.

He is a member of the Fraternity of Diocesan Labor Priests. In the Diocese of San Bernardino, he has served as Parochial Vicar and Pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Riverside where he worked with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community that includes Hispanic, Vietnamese and Tongan Catholics. He has also served as Vicar Forane for the Riverside Vicariate and as a member of the Presbyteral Council of the diocese.