Who is recognized as the first American Catholic Bishop?

Bishop John Carroll is recognized as the first American Catholic Bishop primarily because he was appointed as the Bishop of Baltimore in 1789, which was the first diocese established in the United States. His leadership was instrumental in organizing the Catholic Church in the U.S. during its early years, when the country was still developing its identity and religious landscape. Carroll's role was significant in fostering the growth of the Catholic community and establishing educational institutions, making him a pivotal figure in American religious history.

The other individuals mentioned played important roles in Catholicism but in different contexts or time periods. Bishop Fulton Sheen was a prominent figure known for his television evangelism and was made a bishop much later, in the 20th century. Bishop John Neumann, who became a bishop in the 19th century, was important for his work in education and the founding of schools in the United States, but again, he came later than Carroll. Bishop Thomas Becket was an English martyr and archbishop, well before the establishment of the Catholic Church in America and therefore not relevant in this American context. Thus, Bishop John Carroll’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the American Catholic Church, securing his position as the first American bishop.