The longtime Catholic bishop of the Houston area has announced his retirement:

Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, who led more than 1 million Texas Roman Catholics for more than 20 years, announced his resignation Tuesday because he has reached the 75-year-old age limit for the job.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation of the leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

"I am deeply grateful to God that he has given me the great privilege of serving the church," Fiorenza said. "There is a need for new vigor, new fervor, fresh enthusiasm, new ideas and new leadership."

He leaves the diocese in very capable hands:

Archbishop Coadjutor Daniel N. DiNardo, whom Pope John Paul II selected in 2004 to replace Fiorenza, attended the announcement with Fiorenza.

"I look forward to being a part of this community at large and to working with other local faith and government leaders," he said. "I ask you all to pray for me that God will give me the wisdom, strength and grace to be a good shepherd."

I hope Archbishop Fiorenza enjoys his retirement. He’s certainly earned it.