News

Process of appointing a bishop

Editor's note: This is part of an occasional series of articles relating to the appointment of a new bishop for the Diocese of Green Bay.

By Sam Lucero
Compass Staff

	A time of Transition

ALLOUEZ -- With the Sept. 28 appointment of Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan as apostolic administrator of the Green Bay Diocese, the search for a new bishop is on. Currently, Green Bay is one of 10 U.S. dioceses waiting the appointment of a new bishop.

According to a background report, "Appointing Bishops," published in 2000 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the appointment of a bishop involves four stages.

"The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome," states the report. "It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves a number of important players - the most influential being the apostolic nuncio, the Congregation for Bishops, and the pope."

Previous articles: from November 2, 2007 issue: • The bishop's chair is empty from October 19, 2007 issue: • Who will be the next bishop? from October 12, 2007 issue: • New bishop by Easter? from October 5, 2007 issue: • Milwaukee archbishop to serve as Green Bay administrator from September 28, 2007 issue: • Diocese of Green Bay warmly welcomes Archbishop Dolan as its Administrator     (posted 9/28 as New since the print edition item)

The process can be time consuming, taking up to one year or more to complete.

Archbishop Dolan, however, believes the appointment will be as soon as next March. He told diocesan staff members Oct. 3 that the pope's ambassador (apostolic nuncio) to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, hopes to announce the pope's appointment by Easter.

The apostolic nuncio is a key person in deciding what names are recommended to the Congregation for Bishops for possible episcopal appointment, according to the USCCB report.

The Congregation for Bishops, a department of the Roman Curia, handles all aspects of episcopal appointments. Presently, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re of Italy serves as head of the Congregation.

First stage

The first stage of the appointment process involves recommendations from bishops.

"Every bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests he thinks would make good bishops," the report states. "Prior to the regular province meeting (usually annually), the archbishop distributes to all the bishops of the province the names and curricula vitae of priests which have been submitted to him. Following a discussion among the bishops at the province meeting, a vote is taken on which names to recommend.

"The number of names on this provincial list may vary. The vote tally, together with the minutes of the meeting, is then forwarded by the archbishop to the apostolic nuncio in Washington. The list is also submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops," it adds.

In the case of a planned vacancy, in which a bishop either retires or is appointed to another diocese (such as Bishop David A. Zubik's appointment to Pittsburgh), the bishop compiles a report on the state of the diocese. He outlines the needs of the diocese and can nominate candidates for his successor. This report is sent to the apostolic nuncio.

Stage two

The second stage of the process involves the apostolic nuncio. After receiving reports from the bishop and the provincial metropolitan (Archbishop Dolan), the nuncio begins his personal investigation.

Part of his investigation includes communication with key diocesan personnel. Those who are contacted are sworn to secrecy. At this point, he decides on a short list of candidates for further investigation.

"By overseeing the final list of names forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nuncio plays a decisive role in the selection process," says the USCCB report. "He not only gathers facts and information about potential candidates, but also interprets that information for the Congregation. Great weight is given to the nuncio's recommendations, but it is important to remember that his "gatekeeper" role, however, does not mean that his recommendations are always followed."

The candidates can include priests and bishops in the diocese and in the local province, which includes all five dioceses in Wisconsin.

"At this point, the nuncio narrows his list and a questionnaire is sent to 20 or 30 people who know each of the candidates for their input," the report continues. "All material is collected and reviewed by the nuncio, and a report (approximately 20 pages) is prepared."

The list of names is narrowed down to three names and forwarded to Rome - with the nuncio's preference noted. At this point, the third stage in the process is under way.

Stage three

Once the Congregation for Bishops receives the report, they begin their evaluation. "If the appointment involves a bishop who is being promoted or transferred, the matter may be handled by the prefect and the staff. If, however, the appointment is of a priest to the episcopacy, the full congregation is ordinarily involved," says the USCCB report.

"A cardinal relator is chosen to summarize the documentation and make a report to the full congregation, which generally meets twice a month on Thursdays. After hearing the cardinal relator's report, the congregation discusses the appointment and then votes. The Congregation may follow the recommendation of the nuncio, choose another of the candidates on the terna (the list of three names), or even ask that another terna be prepared."

Stage four

When they decide on the list, the congregation sends a report with the list of names to the pope for his approval. This starts stage four.

"At a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops presents the recommendations of the Congregation to the Holy Father. 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."

If the pope has questions or disagrees with the choice, he contacts the Congregation and those concerns are addressed.

Locally, stage two is well under way in the search for a new bishop of Green Bay. Although recent history has indicated that Green Bay could still be in for a long wait, Archbishop Dolan believes the wait will be short.

(A PDF version of "Appointing Bishops" can be downloaded at www.usccb.org/comm/bishopsfinal.pdf.)