Pope renews Curia appointments—for now

March 18, 2013

Pope Francis has "provisionally" renewed the appointments of leaders in the Roman Curia, the Vatican announced on March 16.

The authority of all top officials in the Curia lapses when the Holy See becomes vacant. Ordinarily a new Pontiff quickly renews the appointments of those officials. But Pope Francis waited for three days before saying that all Vatican officials should remain at their posts donec aliter provideatur--until other provisions are made.

The temporary re-appointments underline the commitment of the new Pope to make changes in the administration of Vatican affairs. Journalists in Rome expect that the Pope will soon want to install his own chosen aides, particularly for the powerful post of Secretary of State, the 2nd-ranking position at the Vatican. The choice of new leaders of the top Curial offices will be one of the early tests of this pontificate.

 

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Further information:

• Holy Father Provisionally Confirms Heads and Members of Roman Curia (VIS)