Cardinal Wuerl added to Congregation for Bishops, replacing Cardinal Burke
December 16, 2013
Pope Francis has named Washington's Cardinal Donald Wuerl to the Congregation for Bishops, while declining to extend the tenure of Cardinal Raymond Burke on that influential body.
The Pope's decision not to confirm Cardinal Burke as a member of the Congregation that helps choose the world's bishops has been interpreted by many Vatican-watchers as a policy shift. Cardinal Burke has regularly championed conservative positions in Church debates, while Cardinal Wuerl represents positions closer to the mainstream of the American hierarchy.
The switch, however, could be explained by other reasons. Cardinal Burke, who now serves in Rome as head of the Apostolic Signatura, may be regarded by the Vatican as less current with the needs and desires of the American hierarchy, and with the potential candidates for episcopal office.
Pope Francis confirmed another American prelate, Cardinal William Levada, the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to continue his membership on the Congregation for Bishops.
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Further information:
- Other Pontifical Acts (VIS)
- In Rome, an American rises and another American fades (Religion News)
- Wuerl named to bishops' panel; Burke not confirmed (National Catholic Reporter)
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Posted by: normnuke -
Dec. 19, 2013 4:37 PM ET USA
I fear this will be an awfully long reign.
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Posted by: williiam ronner -
Dec. 16, 2013 10:48 PM ET USA
This, more than anything else, should concern conservative Catholics.
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Posted by: Defender -
Dec. 16, 2013 10:04 PM ET USA
So now Cardinal Wuerl will advise the pope on who should become a bishop…this is the same person who doesn’t believe in Canon 915 and fires priests ( Rev. Marcel Guarnizo) in favor of lesbian Buddists who have no regard for the Blessed Sacrament. Wonder the kind of bishop he’ll probably recommend?
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Posted by: -
Dec. 16, 2013 5:49 PM ET USA
Sad to see.