Fresno bishop diagnosed with lung cancer

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The announcement that the leader of the Fresno Diocese has cancer has taken many of the Valley's half million Catholics by surprise.

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Parishioners found out Bishop John Steinbock was recently diagnosed with lung cancer during celebrations of mass over the weekend.

The diocese says the 73-year-old bishop has no immediate plans to cut back on work -- instead he believes the disease will help in his ministry.

Deacon Jesse Avila says Bishop Steinbock is in good spirits ... and is currently meeting with doctors trying to determine the nature and severity of his cancer.

The bishop was a smoker in his early priesthood, and last year, successfully battled skin cancer.

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