PUNE DIOCESE: VATICAN’S HUNT FOR THE NEW BISHOP IS ON
CAMIL PARKHE
reporters@sakaaltimes.com
The Vatican has launched its long and confidential procedure to choose suc cessor to Pune Bishop Valerian D’Souza, who is expected to retire on October 3 on completion of 75 years.
The process for selecting a bishop often takes some months and sometimes even a year. Therefore, Bishop Valerian had submitted his resignation letter to Pope Benedict XVI in June, this year, to facilitate the search for the new incumbent in Pune Bishop’s House.

As per the Catholic Church practice, the selection process for the new bishop is conducted by the Pro-Nuncio, the papal ambassador based in the respective country, in coordination with the administration in the diocese concerned.

Panels of a few priests in the diocese and also outside the diocese are considered for the post. The selection committee seeks views of some senior priests on character, administrative abilities etc of the probable candidates. The process goes on until the selection committee shortlists a few candidates. The pro-nuncio in New Delhi then sends the list of the shortlisted priests to the Pope for his final approval.

No lobbying, canvassing or signature campaigns are permitted in the selection process.
Secrecy in the selection process is considered of utmost importance. Therefore, none of the officials in the Pune diocese would like to either con?rm or deny launch of the search for the new bishop.
“Priests having good administrative experience are considered for the post of the bishop who has to ensure smooth functioning of various parishes, schools, colleges, social service centres in his diocese,” said Fr Joe Pithekar, a senior Jesuit who has been a witness to appointments of many bishops in various dioceses in the State.

Prior to his selection as bishop, D’Souza had served as principal of St. Jude’s School in Dehu Road for seven years and was also the vicar general, the second-in command in the diocese hierarchy.
If the Holy See has already stamped its approval on a candidate as the new bishop, his name would be announced on or before October 3. If the selection process is not completed by then, the Vatican may ask Bishop D’Souza to continue till his successor is announced and takes over the charge.