Pope set to name new Belgian primate?

January 13, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI will soon name a conservative Belgian bishop to replace Cardinal Godfried Danneels as Archbishop of Brussels and primate of Belgium, according to a report by the noted Vatican journalist Andrea Tornielli. Bishop André-Mutien Leonard of Namur is the Pope’s choice, Tornielli writes. Bishop Leonard, who has spoken out frequently in defense of traditional Church teaching and liturgical practices, would be a marked contrast to Cardinal Danneels, long one of Europe’s liberal Catholic leaders.

Cardinal Danneels, who is 76 and has been primate of Belgium since 1979, has already announced his plans to retire. In farewell appearances this past weekend he told the faithful to expect the appointment of his successor soon.

 

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Further information:

• Un nuovo primate per il Belgio, il vescovo Léonard (Il Giornale)
• Rumour Watch: New Primate of Belgium? (New Liturgical Movement)
• Belgian Cardinal Danneels stepping down after 30 years (CWN, 01/08)