The resignation is customary when a bishop turns 75.

The move comes at the height of the Lenten season for Catholics.

Kurtz was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last year and had surgery in November. 

Kurtz was diagnosed with an aggressive but treatable form of cancer earlier this year.

The Archbishop said he and his doctors remain optimistic about his prognosis, but added that he will remain in North Carolina during the full length of the treatment.

He also addressed critics who say he has either ignored or minimized the wrongdoing of sex offender priests.