SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Pope Francis has announced that Monsignor Gerald Vincke will be the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salina.

The pope made the announcement Wednesday. Vincke's ordination and installation will be announced later, the Salina Journal reported .

Vincke will become the 12th bishop of the Salina Diocese, replacing Bishop Edward Weisenburger, who left in September to take over as bishop of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona.

Vincke joins Salina after time as a pastor in Michigan, where he was ordained to priesthood in 1999. The Salina Diocese spreads across more than 26,000 square miles (67,340 square kilometers), while the Lansing, Michigan, Diocese covers just more than 6,200 square miles (16,000 square kilometers).

The 53-year-old said he's looking forward to the new challenge the Salina area will present.

"It's a big difference ... so it is going to be a challenge," he said. "The western part (of the diocese), I'm looking forward to going out there and meeting all of the priests. To me it's just about making the time to be present for them and that's what I hope to do."

Since joining priesthood, Vincke's service has included time as spiritual director at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2010-2015, being named a monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, and being a member on the Presbyterial Council, Priest Assignment Committee and College of Consulters of the Diocese of Lansing.

"The priesthood is a beautiful life. I love it," he said. "It's really a joy and just to relay the joy that comes from the priesthood is something I enjoy."

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Information from: The Salina (Kan.) Journal, http://www.salina.com