Choice of new papal nuncio is critical, says English Catholic journalist

CWN - November 18, 2010

Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, the apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, has announced his retirement. The appointment of his successor, argues William Oddie of the Catholic Herald will be crucial to the revival of the British Church.

Citing the complaint of his fellow Catholic commentator Damian Thompson, Oddie says that the current nuncio has “represented the bishops’ conference to the Pope rather than the other way around.” He argues that the next papal representative should energetically promote Pope Benedict’s agenda—which is not always embraced enthusiastically by the hierarchy of England and Wales.

Archbishop Sainz Muñoz, who has been the nuncio in Great Britain since 2004, is expected to finish his work there by the end of the year. He is stepping down at the age of 73 because of ill health.

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  • Posted by: impossible - Nov. 19, 2010 7:24 PM ET USA

    I have often wondered about our Papal Nuncio and the "good old boy network" influencing the Pope on elevating Priests to Bishop and the "promotion" of Bishops. Things have greatly improved, but somehow there must be a way of letting the Pope know about qualified, holy, orthodox priests who would make excellent Bishops. Does anyone "out there know of an effective way for individuals or orthodox groups to accomplish this? In addition to prayer that is.

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