Father Michael J.K. Fuller, general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been given the title of “monsignor” by Pope Leo XIV with the distinction of “Chaplain to His Holiness,” according to a March 10 announcement by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley during the USCCB’s Administrative Committee meeting in Washington.
The recognition highlights Fuller’s service and leadership within the Catholic Church in the United States. The honor was presented as a surprise announcement, reflecting both his pastoral and academic contributions over many years.
“In his work, Fr. Fuller has demonstrated a pastoral heart, a theologian’s mind, and a worthy steward’s deft guiding hand,” Coakley said. He explained that last fall, former USCCB president Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford sought to bring Fuller’s exemplary priesthood and work to the attention of Pope Leo XIV for recognition.
Fuller has served in various roles at the conference since 2016, including as head of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Canonical Affairs before joining the General Secretariat in 2021. Before his time at USCCB, he was associate professor and chair of Spiritual Theology at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois from 2011 to 2016 and editor of Chicago Studies Theological Journal from 2012 to 2016. He also held teaching positions at Creighton University and St. Anthony School of Nursing.
Fuller holds advanced degrees from Mundelein Seminary and was ordained for the Diocese of Rockford in 1997 after serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Swaziland (now Eswatini). He is also an author with two published books.
The USCCB’s Administrative Committee acts as its board of directors and includes officers, committee chairmen, and regional representatives.
