John Barres

Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre

It’s tough quantifying power in this case. For true believers, John Barres’ power comes from a higher place, not the Press. But when it comes time to gauge earthly power, he is undeniably strong. There are still more than 1.4 million baptized Catholics of the Diocese of Rockville Centre — many of whom share their large checkbooks when the basket is passed around. And while Barre joined this diocese in 2016, he is no stranger to New York’s faithful. Pope Francis’ pick to lead the sixth-largest diocese in the nation was born in upstate Larchmont, and has fond memories of visiting Long Island throughout his childhood. Whether on the Island or in Allentown, Pa., where he served prior to replacing Bishop William Murphy, who led the Rockville Centre Diocese for 15 years, Barres shares his devotion to Christ and the Catholic Church’s teachings through love and understanding. At his introduction to Long Islanders, Barres spoke passionately about parish life and the power of people to make a difference in the world. A Princeton University graduate, he was ordained in 1989. The fifth bishop to lead the Diocese of Rockville Centre, this extraordinary holy man is now shepherding a congregation encompassing the region’s Catholics and the 43 schools under the diocese. Besides all of his mortal influence, the bishop’s power to save puts him in a league all his own on this list.