Bishop Zurek Resigns, Cardinal DiNardo Named Amarillo Administrator

Pope Leo XIV accepts Zurek's resignation and appoints DiNardo as interim leader of the Diocese of Amarillo.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek of the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, and has appointed retired Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo as the apostolic administrator of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed and installed.

Why it matters

Bishop Zurek has served as the head of the Diocese of Amarillo since 2008, and his resignation marks a significant transition for the diocese. Cardinal DiNardo, a respected church leader who previously served as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, will now oversee the diocese in the interim period.

The details

Bishop Zurek, a native of Sealy, Texas, has served as the Bishop of Amarillo since 2008. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Austin in 1975 and later served as an auxiliary bishop in San Antonio. Cardinal DiNardo, an Ohio native, previously served as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, and the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas, before retiring in 2025. He will now serve as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Amarillo until a new bishop is appointed.

  • Bishop Zurek's resignation was accepted by Pope Leo XIV on February 14, 2026.
  • Cardinal DiNardo was appointed as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Amarillo on February 14, 2026.

The players

Bishop Patrick J. Zurek

The outgoing Bishop of the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, who has served in that role since 2008.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo

The retired Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, Texas, who has been appointed as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Amarillo until a new bishop is named.

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What they’re saying

“That holds on until I'm 80. I'll be very happy to assist my successor in whatever he asks me to do.”

— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo (OSV News)

What’s next

The Diocese of Amarillo will continue to operate under Cardinal DiNardo's leadership as the apostolic administrator until a new bishop is appointed and installed.

The takeaway

This transition in leadership for the Diocese of Amarillo represents a significant change, with the experienced Cardinal DiNardo taking over on an interim basis as the diocese prepares for the appointment of a new permanent bishop.