Michael John Sheridan

[3] In 1974, Sheridan went to Rome to attend Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum, earning a Doctor of Theology degree.

Sheridan chose as his episcopal motto: "Virtus in infirmitate perficitur" (2 Corinthians 12:9), meaning, "Strength is made perfect in weakness").

On December 4, 2001, John Paul II appointed Sheridan as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

Kevin Eckstrom of Religion News Service called it the first directive in the nation: "...that would apply to voters the same controversial sanctions proposed by some bishops against abortion-rights Catholic politicians...also one of the most drastic—equating a particular vote with sinful activity.

"[5] Sheridan's stance drew national attention and harsh criticism, which he then softened in a column in the diocesan newspaper.

Sheridan then issued a public rebuttal, stating that Howard's view "does not represent my thinking on the subject".

[7] On April 30, 2021, Pope Francis accepted Sheridan's letter of resignation as bishop of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, appointing Father James Golka as his replacement.