DENVER (AP) _ The new archbishop of Denver says he's not yet familiar with major social issues in Colorado but believes the church should have a voice in public debates.
The Vatican announced Tuesday that Monsignor Samuel Aquila (ah-KWIL'-ah) will lead the Archdiocese of Denver, which includes 550,000 Roman Catholics in Denver and across northern Colorado.
The 61-year-old Aquila was previously bishop of Fargo, N.D. He studied at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and worked in several Colorado parishes after his ordination in 1976.
He was formally introduced in Denver Tuesday.
The man he replaces, Charles Chaput (chap-YEW'), built a reputation in Denver as a conservative leader, devoted to evangelism and critical of Catholic politicians who support abortion rights.
Chaput is now archbishop of Philadelphia.
