Ordained to the priesthood in 1954 and to the episcopate in 1979, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza led the Diocese (later Archdiocese) of Galveston-Houston from 1984 to 2006 and was president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops from 1998 to 2001.

“Archbishop Fiorenza was known to be a champion of civil rights and a tireless worker in overcoming the presence of racism in our community,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston. “He was also known as a great promoter of genuine renewal in the Church, and in making the teachings of the Second Vatican Council known.”

“Those who worked with him have expressed that his leadership embodied his love, dedication, and tireless service to the Church,” said Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.