Michael Joseph Kaniecki

Michael Joseph Kaniecki, SJ (April 13, 1935 – August 6, 2000) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks in Alaska from 1985 to 2000.

He professed religious vows as a Jesuit, and was ordained a priest for the Society of Jesus by Bishop Francis Valentine Allen on June 5, 1965.

On March 8, 1984, Pope John Paul II named Kaniecki to be the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks.

[2] Kaniecki was known for his frequent "Letters to the Editor" sent to the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner condemning homosexuality.

Michael Kaniecki died suddenly on August 6, 2000, of a massive heart attack before celebrating a mass in Emmonak, Alaska.