The German Archdiocese of Paderborn wants the lay faithful to participate in the election of the future archbishop of the diocese
Newsroom (22/06/2022 18:00, Gaudium Press) The Archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany, wants the lay faithful to participate in the election of the next bishop.
The Metropolitan Chapter is responsible for the election of the Archbishop and is composed of the canons (priests) of the archdiocese.
Last June 10, the Archdiocese of Paderborn announced that the metropolitan chapter intends to ask for the participation of the laity in the election of the new Archbishop.
The Archdiocese of Paderborn, located in Prussia, follows the instructions of the Prussian Concordat for electing a new bishop.
Both the metropolitan chapter and the Archbishops and Bishops of Prussia submit lists of candidates to the Pope.
From the list of candidates the Holy See chooses three to be presented to the metropolitan chapter, which must then elect from among the three the new Archbishop by free and secret ballot.
The proposal of the Archdiocese of Paderborn comes after the resignation of Archbishop Hans-Josef Becker, who has reached the age limit of 75. His resignation has not yet been accepted by the Pope.
The decision to allow lay people to participate in the election of the future archbishop is part of the “specifications of the Synodal Way,” the archdiocese explained.
Monsignor Joachim Göbel, rector of the cathedral and leader of the metropolitan chapter, said that the manner in which the election will be held has not yet been defined, but that details will still be presented to the public. (FM)
