WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Christie A. Macaluso of Hartford, Connecticut.

The resignation was announced in Washington Dec. 15 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Macaluso, 72, is the vicar general of the archdiocese. He was named an auxiliary bishop of Hartford in 1997. He was appointed rector of St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, in 2014. He also has served as financial officer for the archdiocese and moderator of the curia.

The Hartford Archdiocese in a statement extended its "best wishes, prayers, and deep gratitude" as Bishop Macaluso adjusted to retirement. It said he will continue to reside at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center at the seminary and "will remain active in episcopal ministry to the extent that his health and circumstances permit."

"From my first days as archbishop of Hartford, Bishop Macaluso has been of invaluable assistance thanks to his knowledge and experience of this local church over many years," Hartford Archbishop Leonard P. Blair said in a statement. "In the name of all the clergy, religious and laity of the archdiocese, I wish him all the best and God's blessing in days to come."

The archdiocese said that Bishop Macaluso "has shared his wisdom" as both chair and member of several committees and boards through the years. He has presided at numerous celebrations across the archdiocese, including the sacrament of confirmation and ordinations to the diaconate.

Born June 12, 1945, in Hartford, the bishop attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in sacred theology. He later earned master's degrees in psychology from New York University and in philosophy from Trinity College. In addition, he studied multiple languages and music.

Following his ordination as a priest of the Hartford Archdiocese May 22, 1971, his assignments included assistant pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in West Hartford and St. Joseph Parish in New Britain.

He also served as a faculty member of St. Thomas Seminary College and was appointed dean in 1980. In 1985, he became rector and president of St. Thomas Seminary. During that time, he also served as a weekend assistant at St. Francis Parish in Torrington and Sacred Heart Parish in Bloomfield. From 1991 until his appointment as an auxiliary bishop in 1997, he was rector of Hartford's Cathedral of St. Joseph.