Leadership teams from the Diocese of Columbus and Steubenville met last week to resume discussions that began more than a year ago regarding a potential merger between the two dioceses.

Both dioceses emphasized that no decision has been made and that there is no timetable on when a final determination will be issued by Pope Francis.    

The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature in the United States asked Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus and Bishop Paul Bradley, the apostolic administrator for Steubenville, to lead their respective diocesan leadership teams to compile data to be presented to Pope Francis in order to discern a path forward.

A joint statement was issued Monday, Dec. 11 to update the respective dioceses on the process.