Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo Nevares was ordained as the first-ever Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Phoenix in 2010.

Born in 1954 in San Antonio, Texas, to a devout Mexican American family, he was the youngest of six children — he has one sister and four brothers, all of whom were born in Mexico. His faith was nurtured by his parents’ devotion, particularly his mother’s love for the Eucharist, which inspired his priestly vocation at the young age of four or five. Bishop Nevares served as a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette for 25 years before joining the Diocese of Phoenix, bringing a rich pastoral experience.

Bishop Nevares was incardinated in the Diocese of Tyler in 2007. Prior to his arrival in Phoenix, he served as the co-director of vocations in the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, from 2002 until 2008, and vice rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, from 2009-2010.

• Birthday: February 19, 1954
• Ordination to priesthood: July 18, 1981
• Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix: July 19, 2010

Areas of Emphasis in the Church:

• Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Ministry: As liaison to the diocese’s more than 20 ethnic communities, Bishop Nevares celebrates their unity in diversity, often participating in cultural feasts and Masses throughout the diocese, such as the Cultural Diversity Mass at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Phoenix. His bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, rooted in his Hispanic heritage, enhances his ministry to diverse groups.
• Catholic Education and Evangelization: He has been a board member of Catholic Education Arizona since 2011, emphasizing the importance of faith-based education. His episcopal motto, “Serve the Lord with gladness,” underscores his joyful approach to evangelizing and serving the faithful. Bishop Nevares also helped launch Cristo en Nuestro Barrio, a Spanish version of Christ in Our Neighborhood, which has aired weekly on En Familia Radio in Phoenix since Nov. 2024.
• Ecumenism and Christian Unity: Bishop Nevares is actively involved in ecumenical efforts, serving as president of the Arizona Ecumenical Council (2012–2014) and engaging in programs like the John 17 Ecumenical Group. His discussions with faith leaders, such as his 2018 interview with Jad Levi, Protestant pastor and regional contact for Alpha USA, highlight his dedication to Christian unity.
• Vocations: Bishop Nevares has a strong commitment to fostering priestly vocations, having served as co-director of vocations in the Diocese of Tyler and vice rector at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio. In 2010 he expressed hope to significantly increase the number of seminarians, noting that the diocese’s 22 seminarians at the time were insufficient for its then-800,000 Catholics. By 2025, the number of seminarians in formation increased to 52.
• Protection of Minors and Vulnerable: Since 2014, Bishop Nevares has served on the USCCB Committee on the Protection and Defense of Minors and the Vulnerable, reflecting his commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable and addressing abuse issues, including supporting healing Masses for survivors.

• 2010-2014: USCCB Committee on Immigration
• 2011-2014: USCCB Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. Committee
• 2011-Present: Board of Directors, Catholic Education Arizona
• 2012-2014: President of the Arizona Ecumenical Council
• 2014-Present: USCCB Committee on the Protection and Defense of Minors and the Vulnerable
• 2014-Present: Core Member of the John 17 Ecumenical Group
• 2014-Present: Member of Pax Christi
• 2014-Present: USCCB Committee of Hispanic Bishops