Bishop John LeVoir leads the annual Prayer Service for Life Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. DAVE HRBACEK | THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Due to health reasons, Bishop John LeVoir of New Ulm resigned Aug. 6 from a role he has held in that diocese since 2008. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the 74-year-old bishop, a Twin Cities native, who was approaching the typical retirement age of 75.

According to a statement from the New Ulm diocese, Bishop LeVoir has been undergoing physical and psychological assessment at Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Alma, Michigan, since early July, which prompted his resignation. He will remain there until early September as he undertakes a therapy plan.

“Although these last years have been very challenging for the diocese and the life of the Church, it has been a privilege to have served the faithful of the Diocese of New Ulm,” he said in the statement. “As bishop, it has not only been a great honor, but an enriching experience as I have come to know many people throughout this local Church. I have been impressed by their love for Jesus Christ, their willingness to share their Catholic faith, and their concern for the less fortunate.”

A successor has not been appointed, and a diocesan administrator will be elected by the College of Consulters, comprised of active priests in the diocese at least 35 years old.

Bishop LeVoir, the fourth bishop of the New Ulm diocese, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1981. He served at St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, Holy Trinity and St. Augustine in South St. Paul, and St. Michael and St. Mary in Stillwater.