Incoming archbishop brings humor, patience, faith


He loves playing golf and basketball, and runs or works out regularly. Fiercely competitive, he "takes no prisoners" on the racquetball court, according to a friend.

The Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, 60, showed similar energy as Roman Catholic bishop of Knoxville, driving hundreds of miles to visit parishes in his East Tennessee diocese, attending festivals, fundraisers and community events, even learning to hold services in Spanish.

Friends and colleagues expect Kurtz to bring that drive to his new job as Roman Catholic archbishop of Louisville -- along with his humor, patience, intelligence and a deep faith. [more]


By Deborah Yetter
Louisville, KY
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