Prospective Catholic U.S. Navy Chaplain Ordained Transitional Deacon in Rome

Jakob S. Pohlman was ordained a transitional deacon on Oct. 1, 2026, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. A candidate for the priesthood and the United States military chaplaincy, Pohlman intends to serve as an active-duty chaplain in the U.S. Navy with endorsement from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrated the ordination Mass at the Altar of the Chair of Saint Peter. AMS Auxiliary Bishop William Muhm concelebrated the liturgy. Pohlman, 25, is currently studying at the Pontifical North American College and is scheduled to be ordained a priest next year.

Pohlman graduated from The Catholic University of America in 2022 and from the Pontifical University of Saint in 2026. He was raised in a Navy family; his father, Dustin Pohlman, served as a nuclear submarine engineer from 2001 to 2015. His brother, Ryan Pohlman, is currently serving on active duty in the Navy.