Richard Stika


Richard Stika
Bishop of Knoxville
Stika in 2016
ChurchCatholic Church
ArchdioceseLouisville
DioceseKnoxville
AppointedJanuary 12, 2009
InstalledMarch 19, 2009
RetiredJune 27, 2023
PredecessorJoseph Edward Kurtz
SuccessorJames Mark Beckman
Orders
OrdinationDecember 14, 1985
by John L. May
ConsecrationMarch 19, 2009
by Justin Francis Rigali
Joseph Edward Kurtz
Robert Joseph Shaheen
Personal details
Born(1957-07-04)July 4, 1957
DiedFebruary 17, 2026(2026-02-17) (aged 68)
Alma materSt. Louis University
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
MottoIesu confido in te
(Jesus, I trust in you)
Styles of
Richard Frank Stika
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Richard Frank Stika (July 4, 1957 – February 17, 2026) was an American Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Knoxville from 2009 to 2023, when he resigned at the request of Pope Francis. Stika had been accused of covering up the rape of a diocesan employee by a former seminarian, among other allegations of misconduct and mismanagement.