Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey sent his letter of renunciation to Rome-Swiss Catholic Portal

Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, bishop of Sion, sent his letter of renunciation to the Pope on August 2, 2025, date of his 75^e birthday.

“I often hear about ‘resignation’, but that is not the case,” said Bishop Lovey to Cath.ch. A bishop does not resign ‘, but according to canon law, he proceeds, with the sending of the missive to the pope via the apostolic nonce, to an act of renunciation. According to canon law, the bishop must give up the age of 75. He can do it before for health reasons.

The letter will be sent on August 2, it does not mean that the bishop of Sion will pass the door of the bishopric the suitcase by hand the same evening. He must wait for Rome’s response. The Pope can indeed decide to extend the mandate of the bishop. Bishop Lovey, however, entrusted in an interview to Cath.ch, in October 2024, which he thought “really of leaving the burden. Not out of disgust, but to allow others to take over (…) ”.

If the renunciation is accepted, Mgr Lovey will remain at the head of the diocese, time for the apostolic nuncio in Switzerland, Mgr Martin Krebs, to seek and find a potential successor after an investigation. “I will no longer be bishop of Zion as my successor is ordered,” adds Bishop Lovey.

A “terna” for the pope

The nonce will conduct its investigation to identify potential candidates and write three names on a list, the “Ternna”, which will be sent to Rome. According to Canon 377 of the Code of Canon Law, he is invited to consult the vicars general and episcopal, the members of the cathedral chapter, the members of the clergy or even lay people “recognized for their wisdom” as well as the CES.

The pope will then choose the new bishop from the three names. The sovereign pontiff can also refuse them and request a new list. The nuncio will have to redo her investigation.

Several weeks, or even several months, can flow before Mgr Lovey’s successor is known. Bishop Norbert Brunner had given up his charge at the age of 71 in June 2013. Jean-Marie Lovey was appointed on July 8, 2014 and ordered on September 28 at the cathedral of Sion. More than a year had passed between the death of Archbishop Bernard Genne, September 21, 2010, and the appointment of Mgr Charles Morerod, November 3, 2011.

Mgr Lovey announced to Cath.ch that he will give a press conference to formalize Rome’s response. (cath.ch/bh)