Topic:  Why do Diocese not appoint their own Bishop?

Date originally posted: July 1, 2003

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: Cathy Rusin

Question:   Why do dioceses not appoint their own bishop? Why is that the Vatican appoints bishops? Has the vatican historically had control over this appointment?

Answer: 

Ashley, I’m going to get the information off another website for you… from a 1996 Q&A section of St Anthony Messenger magazine. I am aware that this answers the “how” but not the “why” of your questions, although diocesan bishops do have input by offering names for consideration. Let me do a little more research on the historical part, and have you check back for “Part 2” of your answer! -Cathy Rusin

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Jun1996/Wiseman.asp#F3

Canon Law #377 states it clearly: "The Supreme Pontiff freely appoints bishops or confirms those lawfully elected."

Over the centuries there were different methods of election. Almost everyone, for instance, has heard how St. Ambrose was made bishop of Milan by acclamation of the people. And in some instances treaties between the Vatican and different countries gave their governments the right of nomination or presentation of candidates for bishop.

The Second Vatican Council determined that such rights should not be granted in the future. It also asked that, where rights of nomination or presentation had been granted in the past, the civil authorities would waive them.

The Code of Canon Law (Canon #377, 2) legislates that at least every three years the bishops of an ecclesiastical province or a bishops' conference are to draw up a list of priests suitable for the episcopate and send the list to Rome. And each bishop individually has the right to make known worthy candidates.

Also, according to the Code, in the case of appointing diocesan bishops the papal legate, after consultation with different people, suggests candidates (Canon #377, 3). Canon #377 further specifies that, in the case of an auxiliary bishop, the diocesan bishop proposes a list of at least three candidates.

The law further declares (Canon #403) that, when pastoral needs require it, a diocesan bishop may request one or more auxiliary bishops. It also states that, in serious circumstances, the Holy See may give a diocesan bishop an auxiliary with special faculties or a coadjutor with the right of succession. There is nothing to preclude the diocesan bishop's requesting such an appointment.
To sort through these lists and assist the pope in his decision making, there is the Vatican Congregation for Bishops. But in the end, it is the pope who decides the appointment of -bishops and the terms of their appointments.
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Finally, the length of time it takes to appoint a diocesan bishop probably depends on the situation. Is the see open because of a sudden or unexpected death? Because of the previous bishop's retirement? Are special skills and talents necessary? Particular language abilities? Familiarity with the culture? Pastoral and administrative experience?

Considering the fact that a person appointed may be in office many years, the Holy See may well want to take its time in finding the right bishop. (end of quoted article)

Hello again Ashley,

In the early Christian communities, the people themselves choose people from their own community to lead them in worship (the presbyters, or priests), and from among the local priests, the community would choose its bishop.

After Constantine in the 4th century, the structure of the Church started getting more hierarchical, and the laity became less directly involved in choosing their leaders.

As you read in the last posting, current bishops submit a list of priests' names to the Vatican for consideration as future Bishops.. so there is a form of local consultation in the matter. It probably is best viewed (Bishops being appointed by the Vatican) as a sign of the unity of the Church - the leaders throughout the world ebing named through a common source.

While we're thinking about history, remember that priests and bishops were not necessarily educated or well trained (we're talking Middle Ages here), or particularly holy (some saw a church position as merely a means to wealth and power) -- so some sort of structure necessarily emerged to support the placement of qualified leaders.

Hope that helps!
Peace,
Cathy Rusin