History of the Diocese

The Diocese of Venice was established by St. John Paul II in 1984 from parts of the Archdiocese of Miami, Diocese of Orlando and the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bishop John J. Nevins was the founding Bishop and served until his retirement in January 2007. Bishop Frank J. Dewane took over all duties as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida in January 2007 until his retirement in 2026 and is now Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice. On July 11, 2026, Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M.Cap., was ordained and installed as the third shepherd of the Diocese of Venice in Florida.

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Bishop Dewane places his hands on the head of Bishop Emilio Biosca, O.F.M., Cap., at the new Bishop’s Ordination Mass on Saturday, July 11, 2026, during the “Laying on of Hands.”  After the Principal Ordaining Bishop begins the process, all Bishops present follow, imposing hands on the head of the Bishop-elect. The Diocese of Venice in Florida now ushers in a new era as their third shepherd begins his ministry in Florida.