DIOCESES PRESENTLY AWAITING THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW BISHOPS

According to the prescriptions of the Code of Canon Law, when Diocesan and Auxiliary Bishops  complete the age of75 years, they are required to submit a letter of resignation to the Pope, which he may accept immediately or at any time thereafter.

Over the course of numerous Pontificates, such resignations (unless for reasons of poor health) were generally accepted within three to five years of their submission.  

Thus, it is not unusual for Bishops past the “retirement age” to continue in their pastoral assignments well after celebrating their 75th birthday.

At present, there are seven key dioceses in the world waiting for a new bishop to be appointed.  Given the historical prestige and importance of these dioceses, rumors abound and speculation regarding those who will be appointed to govern them is growing.
  
Among those who recently submitted a letter of resignation to Pope Francis include Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, DC; Cardinal Laurent Mosengwo of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo); Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier of Durban (South Africa); Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa (Honduras); Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City; Cardinal André Vingt-Trois of Paris; and Archbishop Peter Okada of Tokyo.

The Archdiocese in Washington, D.C. is a key post, as it involves both pastoral care and institutional relations with the U.S. political establishment and diplomatic establishments.

Many are speculating that  Bishop Robert W. McElroy of San Diego might be at the top of the list.  What the reaction of many US Bishops might be to such an appointment certainly is of great interest to many observers of American Catholicism.  

A brother-Priest and dear friend commented on the hysteria among the ranks of the USCCB such an appointment would rouse.

Bishop McElroy recently commented on Father James Martin’s book, “Building a Bridge”, calling for a greater welcoming and dialogue with lesbian, gay and transgender communities by the Church.   Bishop McElroy has defended the book as well as Father Martin, in the face of criticisms of his work.  

Bishop McElroy also took part in the recent  Boston College conference on Amoris Laetitia, hosted by Cardinal Blase Cupich and Father James Keenan, SJ. 

During the conference, Bishop McElroy reported on the diocesan synod he launched on Amoris Laetitia, and said that Catholic teaching must take seriously the complexity of adult moral life.

Of course, his appointment is simply a rumor and should be taken for what it is worth.  A recent rumor in Rome suggested that the Pope would call Cardinal Cupich of Chicago to lead an important Vatican office in Rome.  The Cardinal has steadfastly and repeated denied the truth of such speculation.

It should be noted that sometimes gossip is just a way to test possible reactions to an appointment. 

Nevertheless, among the most lasting aspects of a Pope’s leadership is his appointment of Bishops. 

In the weeks and months ahead, in the appointment of Bishops to these influential dioceses, Francis will have a remarkable opportunity to solidify the reforms in both more liberal attitude and pastoral practice which have been the hallmark of his Pontificate.