05 November 2014, The Tablet

Non-cardinal heads of Vatican departments will be made to retire at 75


A document authorised by Pope Francis has decreed that non-Cardinal heads of Vatican departments and officials automatically lose office when they reach 75.

A “rescriptum” on the resignation of bishops and those appointed to positions by the Pope came into effect on Wednesday and takes on board recommendations of the Council of Cardinals, the group advising Francis on the reform of the Roman Curia also known as the “C9”.

It states that cardinals who lead a curial department and diocesan bishops must offer their resignation on turning 75, although the document praises bishops who do so earlier due to ill health or another reason.

It also points out that the Pope may ask a bishop to resign after a “fraternal dialogue”.

 


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