OXFORD, England (CNS) – King Juan Carlos of Spain received a tribute from the country’s bishops after he announced his decision to abdicate in favor of his son.

The executive committee of the Spanish bishops’ conference described the work of the outgoing 76-year-old king as having “extraordinary value” because of his work on behalf of democracy during his 39 years on the throne.

Crown Prince Felipe de Borbon y Grecia, Prince of Asturias will succeed his father.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio of Santiago de Compostela praised the king’s “affection” for the western Catholic shrine and close ties with the city, as well as his periodic attendance at Mass in the city’s historic cathedral.