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WASHINGTON (April 10, 2000) -- Galveston-Houston Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza issued the following statement on the death of Bishop James W. Malone:
"It is with great sorrow that I heard of the death of Bishop James Malone, former Bishop of Youngstown and a former president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/U.S. Catholic Conference.
"Those of us who had the privilege of working with Bishop Malone admired him greatly for his penetrating intellect, command of words, and charming personality. He quickly grasped what was needed in a situation and did not hesitate to present solutions, even those that were not necessarily easiest to achieve. As a result, he was often asked to serve on Committees dealing with the most complex matters. Ultimately, the full body of Bishops voted him their president, a role which he faithfully fulfilled from 1983 to 1986.
"In a very special way, Bishop Malone was a gift of the people of Youngstown to the Church here in the United States and to the universal Church, for he had the rare opportunity of serving as diocesan bishop of the place where he was born, grew up, and served as a priest. His love for Youngstown was evident in his life and was matched by his people's love for him.
"Last month, Bishop Malone celebrated his 40th anniversary as a bishop. He was a good and faithful friend to four decades of his fellow bishops. He will be greatly missed, and we pray that the God of all mercies will give him the reward of his labors in his Kingdom of eternal glory."