Dr Peter Carrell was announced on Tuesday as the new Anglican Bishop of Canterbury.
Carrell, who was born in Christchurch, said the Cathedral was a "particular symbol and expression" of Canterbury's heritage.
He said New Zealand lacked an understanding of the importance of building heritage, and described the cathedral as a historical icon.
"As Bishop of Christchurch I'm completely behind this work, and very excited by the progress we've made to-date," he said.
The Christchurch Cathedral was heavily damaged during the 2011 February earthquake.
He hoped that work on the Cathedral would be completed within a reasonable time frame, and thought the completed project would be a "great contribution to the inner city."
"I just think the stone cathedral is such a wonderful contrast to those new buildings [in the city]," he said.