WELCOME BISHOP CANTÚ
tvc.dsj.org | September 25, 2018
Continued from page 8
Stage 2:
The Apostolic Nuncio
By overseeing the fi nal list of names
forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nun-
cio plays a decisive role in the selection
process. He not only gathers facts and
information about potential candidates,
but also interprets that information for
the Congregation. Great weight is given
to the nuncio’s recommendations, but
it is important to remember that his
“gatekeeper” role, however, does not
mean that his recommendations are
always followed.
•
•
•
•
For Diocesan Bishops
• After receiving the list of candi-
dates forwarded by a province, the
apostolic nuncio conducts his own
investigation into the suitability of
the candidates.
• A report is requested from the
current bishop or the administra-
tor of a diocese on the conditions
and needs of the diocese. If the
appointment is a replacement for
a diocesan bishop or archbishop
about to retire, consideration will
•
•
be given to the incumbent’s recom-
mendations. Broad consultation
within the diocese is encouraged
with regard to the needs of the
diocese, but not the names of
candidates.
The report is to include the names
of individuals in the diocese with
whom the Nuncio might consult
and how to contact them.
Previous bishops of the diocese
and bishops of the province are
consulted.
The president and vice president of
the USCCB are consulted.
If the vacancy to be filled is an
archdiocese, other archbishops in
the United States may be consulted.
At this point, the nuncio narrows
his list and a questionnaire is sent
to 20 or 30 people who know each
of the candidates for their input.
All material is collected and
reviewed by the nuncio, and a re-
port is prepared. Three candidates
are listed alphabetically – the
terna – with the nuncio’s prefer-
ence noted. All materials are then
forwarded to the Congregation for
Bishops in Rome.
For Auxiliary Bishops
• A diocesan bishop must justify to
the apostolic nuncio his need for
an auxiliary bishop. This is easier
if he is requesting a replacement
for a retired or deceased auxiliary.
• The diocesan bishop prepares the
terna, or list of three candidates,
for his requested auxiliary and
forwards it to the apostolic nuncio.
• The nuncio then conducts his own
investigation of the priests on the
diocesan bishop’s terna, sending
the names to Rome with a report
and his own recommendations.
• On average, this part of the process
may take two to six months.
Stage 3:
Congregation for Bishops
Once all the documentation from
the nuncio is complete and in order,
and the prefect approves, the process
moves forward. If the appointment in-
volves a bishop who is being promoted
or transferred, the matter may be
handled by the prefect and the staff . If,
however, the appointment is of a priest
to the episcopacy, the full congregation
is ordinarily involved.
A cardinal relator is chosen to sum-
marize the documentation and make a
report to the full congregation, which
generally meets twice a month on
Thursdays. After hearing the cardi-
nal relator’s report, the congregation
discusses the appointment and then
votes. The Congregation may follow
the recommendation of the nuncio,
chose another of the candidates on the
terna, or even ask that another terna
be prepared.
Stage 4: The Pope Decides
At a private audience with the pope,
usually on a Saturday, the prefect of
the Congregation for Bishops presents
the recommendations of the Congre-
gation to the Holy Father. A few days
later, the pope informs the Congrega-
tion of his decision. The Congregation
then notifi es the nuncio, who in turn
contacts the candidate and asks if he
will accept. If the answer is “yes,” the
Vatican is notifi ed and a date is set for
the announcement.
It often takes six to eight months–
and sometimes longer–from the time
a diocese becomes vacant until a new
bishop is appointed.
The Parish Community of
the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ,
along with the clergy,
religious and Catholic faithful
in the Diocese of Oakland
offer heartfelt congratulations to
Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
on being appointed
Coadjutor Bishop of the
Diocese of San Jose
Diocese
of Oakland
welcomes Bishop Oscar Cantú as
the new Coadjutor Bishop for
the Diocese of San Jose.
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