ST. FRANCIS - Archbishop Timothy Dolan left Milwaukee seven months ago and Saturday we met his replacement at a news conference at the St. Francis de Sales Seminary.

"We welcome Archbishop Jerome Edward Listecki," said Bishop William Callahan.

And with that, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee introduced a new era of leadership.

Click HERE to watch the new archbishop's first news conference.

"I ask your patience with me as I learn how to be your new archbishop. I ask your forgiveness for any mistakes that I may make during this period of transition," said Archbishop-designate Jerome Listecki.

Listecki, 60, will be installed sometime in January.

Listecki is a Chicago native, and will be Milwaukee's first Polish archbishop. He has been a pastor, a teacher, and has several degrees, including a law degree. 

The bishop from La Crosse got the word two weeks ago he would be taking over in Milwaukee.

"Shock, obviously. It kind of throws your day off," he said with a room full of laughter that followed.

Listecki will be heading up an archdiocese that is, like others around the country, facing financial hardships and dealing with sex abuse scandals.

Currently, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is trying to raise $105 million in a tough economy and sex abuse lawsuits threaten to bankrupt the archdiocese.

"Do we have problems? Yes. Will we address the problems? Absolutely," he said.

They are problems his friend and Milwaukee's former Archbishop Timothy Dolan faced. Dolan called Listecki recently to congratulate him on the appointment.

"He also talked about his regrets for leaving Milwaukee because obviously he built up some very significant relationships here," said Listecki.

Relationships he will now try to build. And at least when it comes to the Brewers, this Chicago south side native may already be hitting a home run.

"I'm going to be cheering when they play the Cubs. I will have my Brewers hat on and waving," Listecki said.

Listecki left Milwaukee after the news conference and is now in Baltimore for a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He will be back in Milwaukee at the end of the month.

Listecki is expected to preside over his first public mass the first week of December.

His installation is expected to take place the first week in January. Milwaukee's former archbishop Timothy Dolan is expected to attend.

Dolan, now the archbishop of New York, released this statement: "Pope Benedict has chosen wisely. Bishop Jerome Listecki is a good friend, and a most effective, generous, faithful and joyful shepherd."

Dolan also added a personal note for Milwaukee's new Catholic leader, "P.S. In the confidential file in the safe is the list of my favorite fish fries."