Interesting article about the process for choosing a new bishop in Catholic San Francisco as they await news of a replacement for Archbishop Niederauer, who has reached retirement age. Here are some portions relating to Cardinal Ouellet:
Cardinal Ouellet and the full congregation, said Msgr. Padazinski, can do anything they want with the nuncio’s recommendations: Members could accept the list, ask for other names, make their own inquiries, even change the order of preference if they wish. Ultimately, Cardinal Ouellet will go to Pope Benedict with a final list of three names suggested “as the most qualified and who would best fit this particular archdiocese,” said Msgr. Padazinski.
One of the key players in selecting Archbishop Niederauer’s successor, Cardinal Ouellet, is known to be a traditionalist who has shown a preference for theologians and defenders of the faith.
He has also said, in a reference to career ambitions, that if a priest or bishop aspires and maneuvers to be promoted to a prominent diocese, “it is better for him to stay where he is.”
Although the congregation’s work is strictly confidential, sources explained the process to former Catholic News Service Vatican correspondent John Thavis in 2009, when the pope named now-U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke to the congregation.
Unlike several other Roman Curia agencies, which may draw their full membership together only once a year, the Congregation for Bishops meets regularly every two weeks. The meetings last all morning, and typically bishops’ appointments for four dioceses are reviewed at each session.
Even before the meeting, congregation members are sent abundant documentation on the candidates for each diocese, and they are expected to be familiar with the material. This is information collected by the apostolic nuncio in the country where the diocese is located; a large part of the packet is comprised of the written evaluations requested of some 30 to 40 people who know the candidate.
At the congregation’s meeting, one member acts as the “ponente,” or presenter, reviewing the information and making his own recommendation on the “terna,” or list, of three candidates. Each member, in order of seniority, is then asked to give his views – in effect, offering a judgment on whether the candidates are worthy and suitable, and in what order they should be recommended.
The process was described by one source as a “thorough vetting,” with ample discussion and exchanges. The congregation’s overall recommendations – along with any doubts, questions or minority opinions – then go to the pope. He usually approves the congregation’s decision, but may choose to send it back for further discussion and evaluation.
Members know they are dealing with decisions that will affect the future of the church and the salvation of souls. “It’s a very serious procedure, because a bishop has a heavy responsibility in the church. It’s an exercise in prudential judgment, and the weight of it is felt by everyone involved,” said one Vatican official.
There are five U.S. cardinals among the congregation’s 28 cardinal members, including, in addition to Cardinal Burke, Cardinal William J. Levada, archbishop Niederauer’s predecessor as San Francisco archbishop.
III. THE POPE
At a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops presents the recommendations of the congregation. A few days later, the pope informs the congregation of his decision. The congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is “yes,” the Vatican is notified and a date is set for the announcement.
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