After 16 years as the top Catholic leader of Miami, Archbishop John Favalora is stepping down.
Favalora, who turns 75 in December, made his retirement announcement at a news conference Tuesday morning.
"I have been priviledged and blessed to serve as metropolitan Archbishop of Miami for almost 16 years," Favalora said. "There is hardly a more exciting and challenging place as South Florida."
Favalora's resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI early Tuesday morning.
Replacing Favalora is Bishop Thomas Wenski, of Orlando. The 59-year-old is a native of West Palm Beach and has been Bishop of Orlando since 2004.
Wenski has spent several years in Miami, including a stint as Auxiliary Bishop of Miami from 1997 to 2003.
"I have been told that Miami has its challenges, but what else is new?" Wenski said at Tuesday's news conference. "But the Lord tells us, 'Do not be afraid.'"
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Favalora, a New Orleans native, was ordained in 1961.
Both Wenski and Favalora will celebrate mass together at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at St. Martha Catholic Church in Miami Shores.
