Holy See and appointment of bishops

One of the many interesting questions put by the interviewer of The Sunday Times on April 3 to President Eddie Fenech Adami was: "Is it time for new bishops?"

The President's reply was: "Well, I'm 71; the archbishop and the bishops are 76 - there's a time when one has to go. It seems that the Church recommends 75 as the retirement age for bishops."

As from the President's reply it is evident that he had not read the documents of the Holy See concerning the Vatican's policy on the resignation of diocesan bishops, perhaps it is appropriate to refer readers to the "Decree on the Bishop's Pastoral Office in the Church" of Vatican Council II:

"Since the pastoral office of bishops is so important and weighty, when diocesan bishops and others, regarded in law as their equals, have become less capable of fulfilling their duties properly because of the increasing burden of age or some other serious reason, they are earnestly requested to offer their resignation from office either on their own initiative or upon invitation from the competent authority.

"If the competent authority accepts the resignation, it will make provision for the suitable support of those who have resigned and for special rights to be accorded them." (Note 21)

The decree was approved by the Council Fathers at St Peter's on October 28, 1965.

After Vatican II the Holy See put the retirement age for diocesan bishops at 75. Hence, as bishops approach this age they are "ardently requested" (enixe rogantur) to offer their resignation to the competent authorities of the Holy See.

One well remembers that after the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Basil Hume, had sent his letter of resignation, at the age of 75, the Holy Father, John Paul II, requested him to remain in office.

As far as one knows the letters of resignation of the Archbishop of Malta and of the Bishop of Gozo are still being considered. They have not been told to stay on, as in the case of Cardinal Hume.

Hopefully the new Pope will have to consider both letters earnestly. No doubt, if so far no decision has been taken by the competent authority, there must be a reason for it.

At this stage, it is appropriate to share with our readers what Pope John Paul II said on November 19, 1965, before praying the Angelus: "The model of the bishop outlined by the Council is that a pastor who, in the name of Christ, exercises the function of teaching, sanctifying and governing the People of God.

"The ministry implies a specific authority, which should be understood and exercised in the logic of communion and service. For his community, the Bishop must be a true father who excels in his love and solicitude for all."