Pope Leo has appointed Fr Stephen Wang as the sixth Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, succeeding Archbishop Richard Moth.
Fr Stephen, who has served as Rector of the Venerable English College in Rome for the past five years, said the appointment had come as "a huge surprise".
"I feel a mixture of gratitude and trepidation; an excitement and curiosity about all that lies ahead and above all, a sense of peace," he said.
"I'm grateful to Pope Leo for calling me and putting his trust in me, and to Archbishop Moth for all his care for the Diocese over these years."
Bishop-elect Stephen said he is looking forward to beginning his new ministry on England's south coast.
"I am overjoyed at the thought of coming to Arundel & Brighton, getting to know the people, and working together to build God's Kingdom," he said.
He added: "Coming from a landlocked diocese where the hills are no bigger than London buses, I look forward to some wild swimming and walks on the South Downs."
As he prepares for his episcopal ministry, he asked Christians to pray for him.
"I will need lots of prayers and support. I hope that even with all my weaknesses I can be a loving shepherd, a spiritual father, and a brother as well."
Archbishop Richard Moth welcomed the appointment, describing Bishop-elect Stephen as someone who brings "a wealth of experience" to the role.
"I warmly welcome the appointment of Bishop-elect Stephen Wang as the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton," he said. "I am delighted for both Bishop-elect Stephen and for the people and clergy of Arundel & Brighton."
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, Archbishop John Wilson, also welcomed the news, praising Fr Stephen's commitment to evangelisation and formation.
"Fr Stephen has a real heart for the Lord and a love for God's people," he said. "His many gifts will serve him well as a pastor for the people and clergy of the diocese."
Fr Stephen was born in London and grew up in Hertfordshire. He trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome and was ordained in January 1998.
His ministry has included parish work, university chaplaincy, seminary teaching and serving as Vocations Director for the Diocese of Westminster.
He is also well known as the founder of Sycamore, a video-based Catholic faith formation programme now used in parishes, schools and universities around the world to help people explore the Christian faith.
He will be formally installed this autumn at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard in Arundel.
