From Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr.,
National Black Catholic Congress President

I was informed by the Josephites that Bishop Ricard passed from this world on May 20, 2026. A tireless advocate for Black Catholics and a compassionate shepherd of God’s people, Bishop Ricard dedicated his life to faith, justice, and the strengthening of our Church community. His wisdom and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Gospel touched countless lives across the nation.

Funeral arrangements will be shared as they become available.

May he rest in the peace and joy of our Lord, whom he served with great love and humility.



– Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr.

February 29, 1940 - 
May 20, 2026

Episcopal Motto:
God is Gracious

Ordained: May 25, 1968

Installed as Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee: March 13, 1997

He will be greatly missed!

A Short Biography from the NBCC Website:

Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J., was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee on March 13, 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Bishop Ricard moved from the Archdiocese of Baltimore where he served as Auxiliary Bishop. He is the former Chair of Catholic Relief Services where he served from 1995 to 2002.Bishop Ricard was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and upon completion of high school entered the Josephite College Seminary in Newburgh, New York. He completed his theological training at St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968. Since ordination, Bishop Ricard continued his studies, receiving a Masters Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1970 and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1984. Bishop Ricard served as President of the National Black Catholic Congress from its inception until April 2019. In June 2019, he was elected Superior General of the Society of St. Joseph (the Josephites).

Official Statement from the Josephites on the Passing of Bishop Ricard (Click the image to download a pdf)

Bishop John Ricard presents the closing homily at Congress 13 in 2023, admonishing us to "Keep the fire burning!" (NBCC)

Bishop John Ricard, superior general of the Baltimore-based Josephites, invokes the Holy Spirit as he lays hands on Father Fred Kaddu during a May 23 ordination liturgy at St. Peter Claver in West Baltimore. (Courtesy The Josephite Harvest/Phyllis Johnson)

The superior general of the Josephites, Bishop Emeritus John H. Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee, in December 2023. (The Josephites)

Bishop John H. Ricard, right, retired bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, speaks with Cardinal Peter Turkson during the National Black Catholic Congress Conference held in Orlando in 2017.

The Catholic Review in Baltimore, MD published the following tribute:

"Bishop John H. Ricard, first Black bishop of Baltimore and Pensacola-Tallahassee, dies at 86"