MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — The man who leads the Catholic Church in Miami signaled his intent to retire as he celebrated his 75th birthday. But Archbishop Thomas Wenski may not be leaving the post anytime soon.

In a newsletter sent out by the Archdiocese of Miami, Wenski was quoted in a homily saying he intends to send a resignation letter to Pope Leo XIV, as required by church law, but said, “When I leave office and who will replace me will depend on him. But to be sure, I will let him know of my willingness to continue to serve as your archbishop for as long as he wishes.”

The archdiocese later sent a statement to Local 10 News.

“The Archbishop is not retiring. He is of age and has submitted his letter of intent to retire to the Vatican, as Canon law requires, however, it is up to the Pope to approve his retirement. This is a process that has no time limit taking years at times,” a church statement reads. “Once we receive official notice from the Vatican, we will notify media outlets.”

Wenski has served in the post since 2010.

Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski signals intent to retire ― but pope has final say

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Rosh Lowe