ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 15, 2024 / 17:30 pm
The Vatican Press Office reported Feb. 15 that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán as bishop of the Diocese of David in Panama, two weeks after his yet-to-be-explained disappearance, and named Father Luis Enrique Saldaña Guerra as his successor.
The appointment occurs a few days before Lacunza turns 80 on Feb. 24, the day on which he will cease to be an elector in a possible conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor should he die or resign.
The Panamanian Bishops’ Conference published a statement Feb. 15 expressing their “gratitude to Cardinal José Luis Lacunza and welcoming the designated bishop of the Diocese of David,” noting that the Holy Father accepted the resignation of the cardinal “after almost five years” since he complied with the provisions of Canon 401.1 of the Code of Canon Law,” which requests bishops to present their resignation to the pope at the age of 75.
The apostolic nunciature in Panama posted a statement on X Feb. 15, explaining that “the new bishop will communicate in due time, the day, place and time of his episcopal ordination, and consequently the canonical taking possession of the Diocese of David.”