The bishop of the diocese of Sion Jean-Marie Lovey sent his letter of renunciation to the Vatican this Saturday, day of his 75th birthday. If the request is accepted by the Pope, the succession can then take several weeks or months.
“This is not extraordinary. All the bishops of the world must do so once the age of 75 has been reached. It is not a resignation but a mandate provided for by a canonical standard,” said Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey in an article in the Nouvelliste.
The bishop had announced last fall his desire to assert his right to retirement, confident that it was time to give way to others and that he aspired to more tranquility, relates the daily.
Period of crisis
Jean-Marie Lovey does not comment on the details of his letter, which can be accepted or not by Pope Léon XIV. If he accepts it, Jean-Marie Lovey will remain at the head of the diocese during the search for a successor, for a few weeks or months.
The designated successor will have to manage a diocese in a context of crisis related to sexual abuse affairs within the Church.
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Julie Liardet
