Selection of bishops
Question from Karen on 5/8/2008:
Before Pope John Paul II died, he assigned our diocese a new bishop. He is a conservative, so naturally liberal Catholics and priests are determined to get rid of him. The priests said they were supposed to be consulted on the selection of the bishop and they were not. What is the process of bishop selection for dioceses?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 5/8/2008:
Karen--
From what I understand, the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops vets possible candidates for suitability and then presents a list to the pope for his decision. In any event, while consultation with local clergy and lay leaders arguably is a sound idea, ultimately it is a courtesy only. The pope has full authority to name any suitable candidate to be the bishop; the local diocese must accept this decision graciously and offer the new bishop the obedience due to him by virtue of his episcopal authority.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
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