HOUSTON — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and named as his successor Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin.
In 2007, just a year after becoming archbishop, Pope Benedict XVI elevated then-Archbishop DiNardo to the College of Cardinals. On May 23, 2024, he turned 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. The cardinal is a former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Archbishop-Designate Vásquez, 67, has headed the Diocese of Austin since 2010. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington on Jan. 20 by Christophe Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S.
“I am delighted by the appointment of Bishop Vásquez as the next Archbishop of Galveston-Houston,” said Cardinal DiNardo. “I give gratitude to the Holy Father for naming an experienced, prayerful and humble Shepherd to lead this local Church.”
Following the morning press conference, Archbishop-Designate Vásquez celebrated a Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. After Mass, he greeted parishioners, chancery staff and other members of the Galveston-Houston Catholic community.
