BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has a new leader, as Michael Fisher was officially installed as the church's 15th bishop on Friday.

Spectrum News’ reporter Mark Goshgarian sat down with the new shepherd to discuss what he hopes to accomplish amid a pandemic, bankruptcy and the clergy abuse crisis.

What You Need To Know

  • Bishop Michael Fisher was installed Friday as the 15th leader of the Catholic Diocese

  • Bishop Fisher says there are a number of issues he needs to immerse himself in

  • The bishop has chosen to live in the Saint Joseph Cathedral rectory

From the historic St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo, Michael Fisher took his seat Friday as the 15th Bishop of Buffalo during his installation.

GOSHGARIAN: What does that moment mean to you?

FISHER: "Great joy. That I'm part of a new family."

Fisher was virtually introduced as the head of that new family last month after Pope Francis granted his appointment.

GOSHGARIAN: What reservations did you have, if any, before accepting the assignment?

FISHER: "I had no reservations. I feel like I'm in a way starting a new life. A new chapter in my life. I realize we have great issues ahead, but I'm excited because I know this Diocese has had a long tradition of the Catholic faith here. I'm just grateful to be here, it'd be a heart of gratitude."

Those issues include the pandemic, bankruptcy, the clergy abuse crisis and gaining the people's trust.

FISHER: "I know I have to listen. I've got to immerse myself in these issues. I am a strong believer in the three C's. Collaboration, Consultation and Communication."

He said other priorities include visiting and strengthening area parishes, re-examining Catholic education and getting to know area charities.

FISHER: "I think we need to involve the laity in decision making. Up to now, a foundation that's being sort of laid for renewal and I want to be a part of that but I've got to listen and to get to know the people."

As for getting to know him, Fisher most recently served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., where other leaders there, including two cardinals, were accused of abuse, lies and cover ups.

Fisher says as a bishop and priest, he had little contact with the leadership, as he was focused on education, charity and the parish, and says he never knew what was happening until he heard about it in the press.

FISHER: "I never witnessed any of the things, that's why it was so heart-wrenching and to be frank, made me angry."

GOSHGARIAN: You do see though how some might find that hard to believe that you didn't know anything was going on?

FISHER: "Sure, sure, yeah. I was singularly focused on what my responsibilities were."

GOSHGARIAN: How are they able to trust you?

FISHER: "I hope they know that I'm listening to them. I am who I am. I try to be a man of integrity and honesty. I was an Eagle Scout. They have to see that what I say is what I'm going to do. I have to be genuine to my word."

Part of that word, was delivered to the faithful, during Fisher's homily.

GOSHGARIAN: What would the key message be there?

FISHER: "There is renewal new and hope. It's also about healing. That I'm here to be a healer."

Not only was Bishop Fisher installed at Saint Joseph, but he'll also call it home, after deciding to live in the cathedral rectory.