Diocese of Orange Appoints Dr. Pia de Solenni as Chancellor, Highest Lay Leadership Role
The central leadership role represents the highest office available to a lay person within the Catholic Church.
Garden Grove, Calif., (Aug. 14, 2017) – The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, has appointed Pia de Solenni, S.Th.D., and current theological consultant to the Office of the Bishop, to serve as Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange. The appointment is effective August 28, 2017.
As chancellor, Dr. de Solenni will serve as the diocese’s most senior lay administrative leader, playing a central role in supporting the organizational and ministerial efforts of the Bishop in guiding the more than 1.3 million Catholics in Orange County.
Statements from Diocesan Leadership
Bishop Kevin Vann:
“Pia is an inspirational and well-respected theologian and has proven herself a thoughtful and humble leader within our Church. We are blessed as a Diocese to benefit from her expertise, passion, and faith. I look forward to the many gifts that she will continue to bring to bear in service to the people of Orange.”
Dr. Pia de Solenni:
“It is a tremendous honor to serve the Diocese of Orange as Chancellor. I am very grateful to Bishop Vann for his confidence in me and for giving me this opportunity.”
The Role of the Chancellor
Dr. de Solenni’s duties will include:
- Serving as lead administrator and secretary of the Curia.
- Acting as the official archivist and record keeper for the diocese.
- Serving as a strategic and theological advisor to the Bishop of Orange.
- Assisting the Bishop in promoting and guarding the integrity of the Catholic faith.
About Dr. Pia de Solenni
- Education: Dr. de Solenni received her doctorate in sacred theology, summa cum laude, from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
- Key Recognition: She received the 2001 Award of the Pontifical Academies for her doctoral work, presented by St. John Paul II.
- Areas of Expertise: With extensive experience in women’s health, bioethics, the new feminism, and Catholicism and culture, she is a sought-after expert on these subjects.
- Published Work: Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal Europe, The Washington Post, Crux, The National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor, and other respected publications.
About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is the growing Catholic community in Orange County, California. Home to more than 1.3 million faithful believers, the Diocese of Orange is the 12th largest and one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
Contact Information
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-3029