Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Amarillo Bishop Patrick Zurek and Appoints Cardinal Daniel DiNardo to Oversee Texas Diocese Temporarily

On February 14, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick Zurek, ending his nearly 20-year tenure leading the Diocese of Amarillo in Texas.

The Pope appointed Cardinal Daniel DiNardo to serve as apostolic administrator while a permanent successor is identified.

Bishop Zurek, who was 77, had already surpassed the customary retirement age for bishops by two years.

He was appointed to the Amarillo post by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and had previously served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

According to the diocesan website, Zurek is “the longest-serving Bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo,” a milestone reflecting his long-standing influence and leadership in the region.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo Steps In Temporarily

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who will manage the diocese in the interim, brings decades of experience to the role.

He served as the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston from 2006 to 2025 and was elevated to cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.

DiNardo has held leadership positions in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, including both president and vice president, making him a seasoned hand in church administration and guidance.

The appointment of an apostolic administrator is a common practice when a diocese faces a transition, ensuring continuity while the Vatican deliberates on a permanent replacement.

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Local parishioners and clergy can expect DiNardo to maintain pastoral care and oversight during this period.

Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić Appointed to Vatican Press Office

In a related Vatican announcement, Pope Leo XIV named Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić, MVZ, as deputy director of the Holy See Press Office on February 13.

Sister Krapić is the first religious sister to hold this position, marking a historic milestone in Vatican communications.

Her background is both diverse and impactful.

Krapić has worked in the Dicastery for Communications, served as a journalist, and provided legal support to women affected by domestic violence and other marginalized groups.

She is currently pursuing a doctorate in social sciences at the Collegium Maximum of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

She is expected to formally take up her Vatican press office duties on March 1.

Sister Krapić succeeds Cristiane Murray, who had served in the deputy director role since 2019 and spent over 25 years at Vatican Radio.

The transition reflects a broader trend of inclusivity and expertise in Vatican media leadership.

What’s Next?

For the Diocese of Amarillo, the immediate focus will be on a smooth handover under Cardinal DiNardo’s guidance.

Parish communities can anticipate continuity in pastoral programs and diocesan initiatives as the Vatican considers candidates for the permanent bishopric.

At the Vatican, Sister Krapić will begin her work strengthening communications and representing the Holy See in media relations, continuing the mission of transparency and outreach that has become increasingly central to Vatican operations.

Summary

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Amarillo Bishop Patrick Zurek on February 14, appointing Cardinal Daniel DiNardo as apostolic administrator until a permanent replacement is named.

Zurek, who led the diocese for nearly 20 years, had previously been an auxiliary bishop in San Antonio.

Separately, the Pope appointed Sister Nina Benedikta Krapić as deputy director of the Vatican press office, making her the first religious sister to hold the position.