Most Reverend Joseph Espaillat
Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of New York

Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat II is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Appointed by Pope Francis In January, 2022, Bishop Joe is the youngest Catholic bishop and the first Dominican bishop in the United States. Bishop Espaillat was named in 2015 as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Bronx, New York, a position he still holds. Growing up in Manhattan, he learned to speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Street! He loves ministering the sacraments: celebrating the holy sacrifice of the Mass, hearing confessions, and proclaiming the Word of God. Bishop Joseph Espaillat is the founder of the ministry Messengers of Christ.

Bishop Espaillat has become popular for his unconventional ways of teaching. He is known for rapping to young people in his community to help them connect with God. He also hosts a podcast called “Sainthood in the City.” "They think a saint can’t be hip, a saint can’t be cool, a saint, you know, can’t wear hoodies, you know, a saint can’t wear Jordans," he said. "We just said, let’s just go out there and, let’s do it." Bishop Espaillat will be the keynote speaker on Friday night of the Conference.