Image by The Catholic Diocese of Trenton, via Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // A New Jersey bishop who suffered a heart attack while leading a pilgrimage in Rome is now in stable condition, according to a local news source.
Asbury Park Press reported Sunday that Bishop David O’Connell had suffered a heart attack in Rome on January 4. The 68-year-old bishop of the diocese of Trenton had also served as the president of Catholic University of America from 1998 to 2010. He has long been recognized as a supporter of Catholic education, both in his service to CUA and his diocese.
O’Connell left the U.S. on January 1 to lead 20 priests from his diocese on an eight-day pilgrimage to popular shrines and churches in Rome and Assisi. Prior to O’Connell’s heart attack, the pilgrims had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during a papal audience on January 3.
After the attack, O’Connell was taken to Santo Spirito Hospital near St. Peter’s Square, where he had surgery for a clogged artery. According to the Diocese of Trenton’s Facebook page, O’Connell’s surgery was “successful” and he is now doing well. O’Connell has also requested prayers for his continued recovery.
