Statement by Cardinal DiNardo on Appointment of Bishop Vásquez as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

Today, His Holiness, Pope Francis, has accepted my resignation from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and has appointed Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin, Texas, as my successor. The resignation and appointment were publicized this morning in Washington, D.C. by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

I am delighted by the appointment of Bishop Vásquez as the next Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and give gratitude to the Holy Father for naming an experienced, prayerful, and humble Shepherd to lead this local Church.

Bishop Vásquez is a faithful, articulate, and bi-cultural bishop who has wisely led the Diocese of Austin for the last fifteen years. Further, we are joyful in welcoming him back to the local Church where he was ordained a bishop and served diligently for many years as Auxiliary Bishop.

The Archdiocesan Church of Galveston-Houston, like Houston itself, is the “United Nations in Miniature.” I, along with Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, the many priests, deacons, women and men religious, and lay faithful who constitute this incredibly diverse local Church assure Archbishop-Designate Vásquez of our love, prayers, and support as he begins his new ministry among us.