Vatican accepts Bishop Zurek’s retirement: Cardinal DiNardo named Diocese of Amarillo administrator

The Vatican has announced that the retirement of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek was accepted on Feb. 13. At the same time, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo has been named Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Amarillo.

Cardinal DiNardo, 76, previously served as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from 2006 until his retirement in 2025. He was created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on Nov. 24, 2007.

Bishop Zurek, 77, was named the eighth Bishop of Amarillo on Jan. 3, 2008. He is the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo, having served for 19 years, one month and 10 days.

The appointment of an Apostolic Administrator is a customary step in Catholic Church governance following the retirement of a diocesan bishop, providing leadership continuity until a successor is named.