WASHINGTON (January 3, 2003) -- Pope John Paul II named Msgr. Joseph N. Latino, Vicar General of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi.

At the same time he accepted the resignation of Bishop William R. Houck as Bishop of Jackson.

Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, made the announcements.

Joseph N. Latino was born on October 27, 1937, in New Orleans. He attended St. James Elementary School, New Orleans, and completed high school studies at St. Joseph Seminary, Covington, Louisiana. He attended Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans.

He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963. Following ordination he served in the following assignments:

1963-1968: Parochial Vicar, St. Francis De Sales, Houma;
1969-1971: Parochial Vicar, St. Philip, New Orleans;
1971-1972: Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici, Metairie;
1972-1987: Pastor, St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma;
1987-present: Pastor, St. Francis De Sales, Houma;
1987-present: Vicar General of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

He was named Prelate of Honor to Pope John Paul II, January 6, 1983.

Bishop Houck, 76, was born June 26, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Mobile, May 19, 1951. He was named Auxiliary Bishop of Jackson, March 28, 1979, and Bishop of Jackson, April 24, 1984.

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