Pell? Ouellet? Don't make any large bets

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Jun 18, 2010

You've seen the reports: that Cardinal Pell has been blocked from an appointment as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops; that Cardinal Ouellet will be given the post. 

Don't count on it. After a series of phone calls to informed sources, I'm willing to make 3 assertions. 

  1. There has been a struggle over this appointment-- which is understandable, because the stakes are high. 
  2. The struggle isn't over. It might continue through the summer. Maybe even until, oh, say, October 17.
  3. Cardinal Pell is not-- repeat not-- out of the running. 

 

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

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  • Posted by: - Jun. 18, 2010 4:58 PM ET USA

    The idea that a churchman could be blocked from filling a post for which he is worthy based on an unproven allegation from which he was later exonerated is just appalling, disgusting.

Thu23 January
Ordinary Time

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of St. Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon & Martyr (USA); Opt Mem of St. Marianne Cope, Virgin (USA)

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Today is Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. In the United States the Optional Memorial of St. Vincent of Saragossa (d. 304) is transferred from January 22 in the Universal Calendar to January 23. He was one of the greatest deacons of the Church. He was born in Huesca, Spain, suffered…

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