Archbishop DiNardo takes over as head of Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

March 9, 2006

HOUSTON - There is a new leader today in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as Archbishop Daniel DiNardo officially takes over as the chief shepherd of the more than 1.3 million Roman Catholics in the area. The staff of leadership was officially passed today when Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza received word from the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI had granted his request to retire.

Archbishop Fiorenza led the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1985. Archbishop DiNardo was named Coadjutor Bishop of the diocese here in January 2004. Since that time the 56-year-old Archbishop DiNardo has spent his time learning about his new home and the diverse population that makes up the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

The announcement was made in Washington Feb. 28 by Msgr. Lepoldo Girelli, charge d'affaires at the apostolic nunciature. It was announced that same day at a news conference at the chancery of the archdiocese. The two archbishops answered questions and talked about the historic change in leadership.

Archbishop DiNardo, who came to Houston after serving as the bishop of Sioux City says that he looks forward to the challenge ahead and stated, "I have been here in Galveston-Houston almost two years and have learned much. There is now much more to learn. From the time I arrived here, I have been received with great warmth and openness and I am very grateful for that. I especially want to thank Archbishop Fiorenza to whom we all owe a great debt of gratitude. I now look forward to being shepherd of such a dynamic local church."

Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, who now becomes Archbishop Emeritus, has served as the chief leader of Catholics in the 10-county archdiocese for 21 years. He turned 75 on Jan. 25. Age 75 is when bishops are asked to turn in their resignation.

"I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to have shepherded this wonderful archdiocese. I am grateful to Pope Benedict for granting my retirement and now I look forward to getting back to the life of a priest, administering the sacraments and celebrating Mass. I am so pleased to leave the archdiocese in such capable hands and I pray that God will bless Archbishop DiNardo with wisdom and peace," he said.

Archbishop DiNardo says that life in the 150 parishes in the archdiocese will carry on uninterrupted. An official Mass of Welcome was held for the new archbishop in March of 2004 when he first arrived in Houston.

"I ask the 1.3 million local Catholics to please pray for me and this ever-growing Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston," said the new chief pastor.