Upon learning of the death of Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo, the Bishop of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, issued the following statement:

"It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the death of Bishop Nicholas Dattilo, Bishop of Harrisburg and President of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Bishop Dattilo was a devoted priest, a dedicated Bishop and a zealous servant of the Church. His death is a significant loss to the people of the Diocese of Harrisburg and his presence will be greatly missed.

Bishop Dattilo was a warm and personable Shepherd to the people of the Diocese of Harrisburg for fourteen years. He had a deep love of the Catholic Church and was ever faithful to her teachings.

The clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia join me in extending to our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Harrisburg, as well as to the members of Bishop Dattilo's family, our heartfelt sympathy and ardent prayers that he may find everlasting peace with Christ the Savior."

Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo was a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania and studied at Saint
Vincent Seminary in Latrobe in western Pennsylvania and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Bishop Dattilo was ordained in the Pittsburgh diocese in 1958. On November 21, 1989, Pope John Paul II named him the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg.