Emilio Biosca Agüero (born December 15, 1964) is an American Catholic prelate and Capuchin friar serving as Bishop of Venice in Florida since 2026.
Biography
Biosca was born on December 15, 1964, to Cuban immigrant parents in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[1][2]
On May 21, 1994, Biosca was ordained by Bishop Seán Patrick O'Malley to the priesthood for the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C..[3][4]
Biosca served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for 12 years, before taking several assignments in Cuba between 2007 and 2019, including in Havana, Santa Clara, and Manzanillo.[5]
Following his time as a missionary, he served as pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, where he spoke out in opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies, which he said negatively impacted his parishioners.[5][2]
Biosca speaks English, Spanish, and Tok Pisin.[2]
Episcopal career
Diocese of Venice in Florida
Pope Leo XIV appointed Biosca Agüero bishop for the Diocese of Venice in Florida on May 13, 2026.[3][6][7] On July 11, 2026, Biosca Agüero was consecrated and ordained as a bishop.[8] His consecration took place at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers due to the ongoing reconstruction of the cathedral.[4]
References
- 1.Reddy, Bob. "Biography: Bishop–elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap". Diocese of Venice in Florida. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
- 2.[2.2][2.3]Roewe, Brian. "Pope Leo picks DC pastor of parish impacted by immigration raids for Florida bishop". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
- 3.[3.2]"Resignations and Appointments, 13.05.2026". Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- 4.[4.2]"Expect great things from our new shepherd".
- 5.[5.2]"Update: Pope Leo XIV names pastor of Shrine of Sacred Heart in D.C. as new bishop of Venice, Florida". Catholic Standard. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
- 6."Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Frank Dewane of the Diocese of Venice; Appoints Reverend Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap., as Successor". Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- 7."Bishop Frank J. Dewane retiring as leader of Diocese of Venice". Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- 8."Welcome Bishop-elect Emilio Biosca Agüero, OFM Cap.!". Retrieved May 13, 2026.