Bishop Daniel Conlon takes medical leave

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon has taken a medical leave of absence, the Diocese of Joliet announced Friday.

Details about Conlon’s medical condition and the expected length of his absence were not available. A diocese spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Conlon, 71, has led the Joliet diocese since 2011.

Conlon’s leave began on Friday and was granted by Pope Francis, according to a statement from the diocese.

During Conlon’s absence, Bishop Richard E. Pates, bishop emeritus of Des Moines, will serve the Diocese of Joliet as apostolic administrator, said a statement from the diocese.

“I applaud Bishop R. Daniel Conlon for undertaking a program to address his health concerns,” Pates said in the statement. “He is a good bishop and will benefit from his time away.”

Pates, 76, retired in July after leading the Des Moines diocese for more than a decade.

“As I begin services as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Joliet, I welcome the opportunity to journey with the priests, deacons, religious and laity of this local church,” Pates said. “The diocesan community enjoys an outstanding reputation and I feel privileged to participate in your life.”

According to the statement from the diocese, “Bishop Conlon expresses his deep affection for the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Joliet and will keep them in his prayers during his time away. He also asks for their prayers.”

Conlon, in addition to being bishop of the Joliet diocese, is a member of the Rainbow Council for the Boy Scouts of America Executive Board, the Canon Law Society of America and the Mundelein Seminary Advisory Board.

Conlon served as the chairman for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People from 2011 to 2014.

Conlon came to Joliet after his predecessor, Bishop Peter Sartain, was appointed archbishop of Seattle in 2010.

• The Associated Press contributed to this story.