WASHINGTON - Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. announced on New Years Eve of Pope John Paul II acceptance of the resignation of Reverend Joseph M. Santoris, 75, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles.

Joseph M. Sartoris, born in Los Angeles, July 1, 1927, studied at St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, California, and was ordained a priest of the Los Angeles archdiocese on May 30, 1953. Appointed Titular Bishop of Oliva and Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles on February 8, 1994, he was ordained May 19, 1994.

By Pauline C.