When Archbishop Eldon Francis Curtiss turned 75 in June of 2007, he submitted his resignation. Fr. Joseph Taphorn is the Chancellor for the Omaha Archdiocese and he was kind enough to answer some questions about the process that takes place when a new Archbishop is chosen.
1. At the Chrism Mass, Archbishop Curtiss said this would be the last time he blessed the oils for the diocese. Does that mean that a new archbishop is imminent? Or anytime in the next year?
Fr. Taphorn: I think it safe to expect a new archbishop sometime this spring or summer, hence, +EFC’s comment.
2. It was almost two years ago that Archbishop Curtiss offered his resignation. How long can it take between a bishop resigning and a successor being named?
The general timeframe is 1-2 years.
3. Who gives advice to the Pope on the naming of a new Bishop? How is that done?
The papal nuncio in Washington DC prepares a list of 3 candidates. Eventually that list is reviewed by the Congregation of Bishops. If it survives that review, it would be given to the pope. The pope is free to choose from the 3, or make his own choice, or send the list back and ask for more information or more possible names.
4. Is there a special time when new bishops are named?
No particular time is special to name one.
5. What is the typical time frame between someone finding out he is being appointed and it being publicly announced?
The man himself would probably know 2-4 weeks ahead of the public announcement. He has to accept the appointment willingly—he can’t be forced to accept it.
6. When a new archbishop for Omaha is announced, will it be announced by Archbishop Curtis, the Vatican, or the new Archbishop?
The announcement technically comes from Rome, but we will coordinate with them and the USCCB [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops] and have a simultaneous release go out—usually 5 am on the day local time (noon Rome time). There will be a press conference called for that morning and +EFC will introduce his successor.
7. How long will it be between the new archbishop being announced and him physically being in the diocese?
He will have up to 2 months to move here and be installed.
Thank you Fr. Taphorn!
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