SAGINAW TWP, MI -- Months after announcing his cancer diagnosis, Saginaw Diocese Bishop Joseph R. Cistone has died at age 69.
Erin Looby Carlson, director of communications for the Diocese, confirmed Cistone's death to MLive.
Saginaw Township Police Chief Donald F. Pussehl told MLive his officers responded to Cistone's home at about 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, for medical call. Cistone was dead upon officers' arrival.
"Apparently, he had passed away in his sleep," Pussehl said.
A statement on the Diocese's website states Cistone died at his home during the night of Monday, Oct. 15. He had been scheduled for a medical procedure on Tuesday to relieve symptoms of his lung cancer.
"Please pray for the repose of his soul, for his family and friends, and for all of the Faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw," the statement reads.
Cistone on Feb. 1 sent a letter to his priests and diocesan leaders informing them of his lung cancer affliction. The diagnosis followed a series of tests Cistone submitted to after suffering a persistent cough since September 2017.
In late September of this year, Carlson provided MLive with an update on Cistone's condition.
"Following the initial treatments, he began a series of immunotherapy which, in many individuals, helps attack and control the growth of cancer cells," Carlson said at the time. "However, this did not prove as effective for the bishop and tests have shown that the cancer is evident in other areas of the body. Therefore, he began a new series of chemotherapy which would more aggressively control and remediate the cancer."
Carlson said Cistone remained positive despite his decreased energy. She added he was relying on prayers from parishioners and was grateful for their support.
Cistone was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1975. He served as an auxiliary bishop there from 2004 through 2009.
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Cistone as bishop of the Saginaw Diocese, making him the sixth man to hold that position.
Cistone's death comes as the county and state are investigating claims of sexual abuse in the diocese and other dioceses in Michigan.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office in August began investigating all of the state's dioceses on allegations of sexual abuse and its coverup going back to 1950. That office on Oct. 3 announced state police had executed search warrants on all seven diocese offices.
Saginaw Diocese officials have pledged their cooperation with the Attorney General's investigation.
One of his last statements to parishioners saw Cistone address the investigation in the form of a letter he penned, published on the Diocese's website on Sept. 23.
"Without doubt, these have been very devastating and humbling days for us as a Diocese and the Church universally," Cistone wrote. "Our prayers are ceaseless for all those who have been victims of abuse by priests and Church personnel. I know from letters I have received that the grief is so deep that no words are adequate. I weep with you and for you."
Cistone wrote that he "pledge(s) my prayers and support to all of you. Along with your priests and parish leaders, I walk beside you in your suffering. In my heart, I know that God is with us and will see us through.
"Be assured of my unwavering care and concern," the letter continued. "I am deeply sorry for the failures in our Church's leadership, which have caused you both shame and sorrow. I support actions being taken by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to hold bishops to greater accountability."
The letter concluded with Cistone stating parishioners' faith must remain strong.
"We must never lose trust in the Lord or His Church," he wrote. "The current purification is truly the work of the Spirit and we must set our minds and hearts on this truth."
The Saginaw Diocese covers Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. It encompasses 6,955 square miles and is home to 100,000 Catholics.