History

1769

California’s first mission, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, was established by St. Junipero Serra. It was moved to its current location in 1774.

1859

The Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles was formed, which included the San Diego region. That Diocese was divided in 1922, with the southern portion named the Los Angeles-San Diego Diocese.

A large group of people in white robes stand in a line on a grassy field leading up to a complex of buildings. Hills and open land stretch across the background.

1936

The Diocese of San Diego is formed from the former Los Angeles – San Diego Diocese. It includes 87 parishes in Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.

Front page of the "Southern Cross" newspaper announcing its status as the official diocesan paper. Includes images of two clergymembers and headlines about its selection as a Catholic weekly.

1937

Bishop Charles Francis Buddy is installed as the first Bishop of San Diego. The Southern Cross becomes the official newspaper of the Diocese of San Diego.

Aerial view of a large, rectangular building complex surrounded by landscaped gardens and fields. The area features winding roads and scattered trees, situated in a hilly landscape.

1943

The first Diocesan Synod convened.

1949

Land overlooking San Diego and Mission Bay is purchased for the development of the University of San Diego and Chancery offices.

A black and white photograph of a clergymember wearing ceremonial attire, including a cape and collar, standing next to a person in a floral dress. They are both looking in the same direction, standing against a brick wall background.

1956

Bishop Richard H. Ackerman is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego.

A clergymember wearing glasses and intricate vestments holds a hat with a tassel. The sleeves feature detailed lace patterns.

1966

Bishop Francis J. Furey is installed as Bishop of San Diego.

1967

Bishop John R. Quinn is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego.

1973–1976

The second Diocesan Synod convened to review and renew statutes and guidelines of the Diocese in keeping with the Directives of Vatican II.

A clergymember in a red and black robe holds a cross pendant. They have short dark hair and a calm expression, standing against a muted red background.

Two people are standing in formal attire indoors. One wears a suit and glasses; the other appears to be a clergyperson in a clerical collar and glasses. Paintings in frames are visible on the wall behind them.

1969

Bishop Leo Thomas Maher becomes 3rd Bishop of San Diego.

1974

Bishop Gilbert E. Chavez is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, the second Mexican American priest to be elevated to this office in the United States.

1976

The First Diocesan Pastoral Council formed as a direct result of the Second Synod

1978

Two northern counties of Riverside and San Bernardino are separated to form the Diocese of San Bernardino. The Diocese of San Diego now encompasses Imperial and San Diego counties, with 88 parishes.

1990

Bishop Robert H. Brom, appointed a year earlier as Coadjutor, becomes 4th Bishop of San Diego.

A church with a tall, white tower topped by a cross and a gold dome is set against a clear blue sky. The building features large gridded windows and a statue in an alcove, with a manicured lawn and a white car parked nearby.

A clergymember wearing a black robe with a cross stands beside a nun in a white and blue habit. Several people are in the background, some wearing patterned clothing. The setting features a decorative stone wall.

1994

Chancery offices move to new Diocesan Pastoral Center in Clairemont, formerly the Convent of the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

2002

Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego.

2013

Bishop Cirilo Flores, appointed the year before as Coadjutor, becomes the 5th Bishop of San Diego.

A clergymember in a white robe and gold mitre stands indoors, hands together, near a lit candle and floral arrangements.

A clergymember wearing a cream-colored robe and a pink cap is smiling while holding documents. They are standing next to a wall with sunlight illuminating the scene.

2015

Bishop Robert McElroy is appointed and installed as the 6th Bishop of San Diego.

2016

The third Diocesan Synod convened to enhance the promotion of marriage and family life in today’s world.

2017

Bishop John Dolan is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego.

A clergymember in a red robe and hat interacts with another clergymember in a cream robe and pointed hat. A person in glasses and a white robe is visible in the foreground, partially turned away.

2019

The fourth Diocesan Synod convened to consult young adults on how the local Church can better engage and serve their community.

2020

Bishop Ramón Bejarano is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego.

2021

The fifth Diocesan Synod convened, a multi-year effort, to promote a culture in the local Church where all members walk forward in communion to pursue a common mission through participation of all.

2022

Bishop Robert W. McElroy is elected to College of Cardinals.

2023

Bishops Michael Pham and Felipe Pulido are appointed Auxiliary Bishops of San Diego.

2025

Pope Leo XIV names Bishop Michael Pham the seventh bishop of San Diego.