The former president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (1989-1992) was ordained to the priesthood in 1959 and became auxiliary bishop of Cincinnati (1974-1982) and Archbishop of Cincinnati (1982-2009). Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angles, current president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that Archbishop Pilarczyk “was known as a shepherd close to his flock. The Archbishop led during challenging times but sought reconciliation and reform with humility.”