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Former Bishop Richard Stika of the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville dies

Staff file photo / Then-Bishop Richard Stika speaks in 2020 during the first session of a tribunal to consider canonizing Patrick Ryan, a Catholic priest in Chattanooga in the late 19th century. Stika died Feb. 17, 2026, at age 68. Staff file photo / Then-Bishop Richard Stika speaks in 2020 during the first session of a tribunal to consider canonizing Patrick Ryan, a Catholic priest in Chattanooga in the late 19th century. Stika died Feb. 17, 2026, at age 68.

By Kailee Shores February 18, 2026 1 min read

Richard F. Stika, the former Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, died Tuesday, according to the diocese’s website.

Stika, 68, served as bishop for the diocese, which includes Chattanooga, from 2009 to his resignation in 2023.

During his tenure, Stika saw the funding and construction of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville in 2018.

Stika’s time as bishop saw much public scrutiny, with priests in the diocese saying the bishop was manipulative. Stika’s tenure came to a head when he intervened in the investigation of a seminarian who was accused of harassment and rape.

In his resignation announcement, Stika said public criticism he faced affected him physically and emotionally.

Contact breaking news reporter Kailee Shores at kshores@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.