The Holy See recently elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to the status of Archdiocese, and accordingly, Bishop George Thomas was promoted to archbishop.

“I join my brother bishops in celebrating the elevation of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas to its current Archdiocesan status,” Green Bay Bishop David Ricken said on Twitter. “Congratulations to Archbishop George Thomas! The United States Bishops’ Conference now consists of some 33 metropolitan sees.” 

The change took effect on May 30. This designation of the archdiocese, as distinct from a diocese, holds symbolic significance within the church, representing growth, historical significance, and other notable attributes, the Archdiocese of Las Vegas said in a statement. 

To commemorate the occasion, two special Masses have been planned. The first Mass is set to occur in Rome on June 29. A small group of pilgrims from the Archdiocese will attend to witness Thomas receiving the pallium, which has been blessed by Pope Francis. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed, allowing for broader participation. 

A second celebratory Mass will take place on Oct. 2, under the guidance of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. During this Mass, Thomas will be vested with the pallium, symbolizing his new role, as shared by the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, the release said. 

“Twenty-eight years ago, Las Vegas became a diocese, and now on May 30 an archdiocese," Thomas said in another release. "This speaks to the tremendous growth and vibrancy of the local faith and the commitment of the women and men that serve in leadership including our priests. This really is a remarkable legacy and moment in Las Vegas and for the Catholic Church as a whole. With our diocese being elevated to an archdiocese, Pope Francis has discerned the need for a new Ecclesiastical Province in the Western United States. I am deeply honored and humbled by this significant recognition by the Pope.” 

Others also spoke on the significance of what the reclassification means.

"Being created an archdiocese by Pope Francis at this moment in Las Vegas history certainly reflects the Holy Father’s confidence in the spiritual leadership of this Church under Archbishop Thomas these past five years,” Bishop Gregory W. Gordon, Auxiliary Bishop of Las Vegas, said in the release. “Las Vegas has grown in many ways since we first became a Diocese in 1995, in population, and in size. But there has also been spiritual growth, in the number of the baptized, an increase of vocations for our Archdiocese and religious life, and we continue to build new parishes and continue to welcome men to the priesthood. Our new Archdiocesan status reflects that growth.”