NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY — Newswatch 16 spoke to Catholics in central Pennsylvania who are sad and shocked at the news of the death of Bishop Joseph McFadden.

Bishop McFadden died unexpectedly Thursday morning while attending a meeting with other bishops in Philadelphia. He woke up feeling ill and was taken to a hospital where he died.

“It is with deep sadness and shock that we announce this morning the death of Bishop Joseph McFadden,” said diocese spokesman Joseph Aponick at a news conference in Dauphin County.

“Sadly, for whatever reason, God chose to call him back now, and we don’t know why,” said Deacon Martin McCarthy at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School.

HARRISBURG — Bishop Joseph McFadden, leader of the Catholic diocese of Harrisburg, died this morning, according to a statement from the diocese.

Diocesan officials said while staying at a rectory in Philadelphia to attend a meeting, he awoke feeling ill and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:40 a.m.

A cause of death has not yet been announced.

Bishop McFadden was the 10th bishop of Harrisburg, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and installed just a few years ago, in August of 2010.

Newswatch 16 was there for the installation ceremony.

“Let us be a sign of hope to all the people that live within the confines of the Diocese of Harrisburg,” said Bishop McFadden during the homily of his installation mass.

The diocese of Harrisburg covers 15 counties, including Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union.