Archbishop John Myers

Archbishop John Myers attended seminary school at North American College in Rome, Italy, from 1963 to 1967, after completing his undergraduate studies at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Ordained as a priest to the service of Peoria in 1966, he also earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Gregorian University the following year. Archbishop John Myers later earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, in 1977, as well as honorary Doctorates in theology, humane letters, and law from Mount. St. Mary's University, Loras College, Seton Hall University Law School, and Catholic University of America.

In 1971, Archbishop Myers was appointed Assistant Pastor to Holy Family Parish in Peoria, Illinois, and over the next 16 years, served in various administrative and leadership positions. In 1987, he was installed as Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. A testament to his faithful service and record of community leadership, he was called upon by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 2011 to serve as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey. The prestigious position charges him with responsibility for all Catholic Churches, schools, and institutions in New Jersey's four counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union.

In his eleven years in this role, Archbishop Myers has proved instrumental in tackling critical community problems. He has fought unwaveringly on behalf of the victims of human trafficking, raising local awareness and working with regional and national agencies to provide assistance to victims of these crimes. He has also urged legislators to adopt and enforce stricter laws to punish human traffickers.

Archbishop John Myers' dedication to social justice is also evident in his work as President of the New Jersey Catholic Conference. This public policy branch of the Catholic Church in New Jersey works to address and find solutions for key public issues, including affordable housing, poverty, the abolition of the death penalty, and charity care.