The Vatican says more lay people should help choose bishops. Listening to the people of God is important, says newly-appointed Dicastery for Bishops’ head Archbishop Robert Prevost (pictured). A good bishop is “a pastor, capable of being close to the members of the community, starting with the priests for whom the bishop is father and Read more
A nun appointed by Pope Francis to help him select bishops says bishops need to listen and that the ideal bishop does not exist. French Salesian Sr Yvonne Reungoat made the comments to Vida Nueva, a Spanish publication. Reungoat told the publication that while there is no perfect bishop, he has to be a shepherd Read more
It is no fun being a bishop these days. After the recent resignations of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon and Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris, and then the controversial legacies left by Archbishop Jean-Pierre Cattenoz in Avignon and Bishop Emmanuel Lafont in Cayenne (French Guyana), as well as the severe sanction that forced the Diocese Read more
Hard times for bishops! For those who are used to the generally compliant tones that have characterized the Catholic faithful’s relationship to the hierarchy up till now, it must be said that this is changing. Bishops in France are now being directly and harshly criticized by “ordinary Catholics” following the publication of the Sauvé Report, Read more
Pope Francis wants the process for way the Church identifies and appoints bishops reviewed. The Pope has asked his so-called C9 international council of cardinals to do this. He wants them to look particularly at the qualities needed in a bishop today. The council met with the Pope from September 14-16. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Read more
An Australian theologian has suggested 12 criteria for selecting new bishops. University of Canberra chaplain Fr Paul McGavin explained his criteria in a 2000-word article in L’Espresso. He started by stating that ordination does not change a man. “He has access to the authority and grace of Holy Orders. Whether or not these are enacted Read more