CNA Staff, Feb 23, 2021 / 06:00 am
Pope Francis has asked the new bishop of a divided Swiss diocese to remain in the post for at least five years, serving beyond the customary retirement age of 75.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops, conveyed the pope's request in a letter dated Feb. 15, the day that the Vatican announced Msgr. Joseph Bonnemain's appointment as bishop of Chur in eastern Switzerland.
Normally, the 72-year-old bishop-elect would be expected to offer his resignation to the pope when he reaches his 75th birthday on July 26, 2023. But he will remain in post until at least 2026 if his health permits.
CNA Deutsch, CNA's German-language news partner, reported that the Diocese of Chur announced the pope's request on Feb. 22.