Election And Appointment Of A Bishop: The Procedure

By Emmanuel Gandu

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ‘The New Concise Catholic Dictionary’ revised edition (2010) defines a Bishop as the ordained leader of a Diocese, who serves as the chief spiritual and administrative head.
In line with the tradition as derived from the apostolic succession, bishops are the true successors of the apostles of Jesus, and in union with the Pope they teach, guide, serve, and pastorally care for the church worldwide.

The ‘A Dictionary of Canon Law’ revised edition (2006) defines a Bishop as one who is by divine institution succeed the Apostles through the Holy spirit, as they are constituted pastors in the church to be teachers of doctrine, priests of sacred worship and ministers of governance.

The ‘Code of Canon Law’ New Revised English Translation (1983) defines a Bishop as : “By devine institution, Bishops succeed the Apostles through the Holy spirit who is given to them. They are constituted pastors in the church, to be the teachers of doctrine, the priests of sacred worship and the ministers of governance” – Can. 375 S1.

This presentation is an attempt to peep into the Church’s process with the hope to achieve some level of exposition for the purpose of laying bare the views and perception held by some sections of the general public about the appointment of a Catholic Bishop.
It is a product of research, interaction, and reliance on years of experience as a practicing catholic.
Therefore, some of the information contained here does not hold authoritative weight, and may not necessarily be error proof.

PRELUDE TO THE ELECTION/APPOINTMENT
According to the Code of Canon Law the events that necessitate the election / appointment of a Bishop takes place when the following occur :
(1) A new Diocese is to be erected.
(2) If in an already existing Diocese :
(a) The incombent Bishop is transferred or assigned other responsibilities.
(b) The incombent Bishop is unable to carry on with his duties due to certain reasons.
(c) The incombent Bishop dies.
(d) The incombent Bishop attains the retirement age limit.
(e) The incombent Bishop retires for whatever reason even before his retirement age limit.
(f) The incombent Bishop resigns.
(g) The incombent Bishop is removed.
(h) By deprivation.

QUALIFICATION TO BE APPOINTED A BISHOP
(1) A priest who is outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues.
(2) A priest who is held in high esteem.
(3) Be at least 35 years of age.
(4) Be ordained for at least 5 years.
(5) Hold a Doctorate, Or well qualified in Sacred Scripture, Theology, or Canon Law from a higher institution approved by the Apostolic See.

ELECTION PROCEDURE

STEP 1 PROBABLE CANDIDATES
(A) In an already existing Diocese :
(i) The Archbishop informs the Pro Nuncio (Vatican ambassador), and the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the situation leading to the vacancy.
(ii) The Archbishop takes charge and appoints an Administrator who is elected from among the priests of the Diocese pending the appointment of a substantive Bishop.
(iii) The Pro Nuncio directs the Archbishop to put in motion the processes of searching for a qualified candidate to fill the vacancy.

(B) If for a new Diocese to be erected :
(i) The Pro Nuncio takes appropriate steps and directs processes in line with laid down procedure.
(ii) The Pro Nuncio directs the Archbishop to put in motion the processes of searching for a qualified candidate to be appointed for the new Diocese.

STEP 2. SCREENING OF CANDIDATES
(1) The Pro Nuncio screens and interviews the shortlisted candidates.
(2) The Pro Nuncio may seek to clarify certain aspects of each of the candidates from the Archbishop and Bishops, the clergy, religious, and lay persons of outstanding wisdom.
(3) The interview and screening results containing the names of the three (3) most qualified candidates is forwarded to the Pope for his further necessary action.
(4) If satisfied with the outcome, the Pope makes the appointment.
If not, he orders for a re run of the screening process.

HOW IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE APPOINTED BISHOP MADE

✝️Step 1
The candidate gives consent accepting his appointment as Bishop.
✝️Step 2
Arrangement is made to convey approval and appointment in a letter to the candidate from the Pope through the Pro Nuncio.
✝️Step 3
A date is set for the formal announcement of the New Bishop to the public by the Pro Nuncio through the offices of the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference and the Archbishop.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ELECT AND APPOINT A NEW BISHOP
It takes about between 8 months to a year or more between the occurrence of a vacancy and the appointment of a new Bishop.
This is dependent upon how fast or slow the screening process takes.
The delay may arise from the eligibility, suitability, complexity, and other unforseen circumstances surrounding the candidates put forward.
Delay may also emanate from unfavourable reports the Archbishop/Bishops, clergy, religious, or the laity, etc, thereby leading to possibly the replacement of some or all the initial candidates with a new set. Where this scenario presents itself, the entire process begins all over.

You may wish to recall the long time taken in getting the successor to late Bishop Joseph Danlami Bagobiri of Kafanchan Diocese who died on 27 February 2018.
That successor and replacement was Very Rev. Fr. Julius Yakubu Kundi who finally emerged and consecrated as Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese on 20th February 2020 – a waiting period of two (2) years.

Presently, the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese in the Archdiocese of Kaduna is vacant.
This is as a result of the demise of the first Bishop on 8th July 2022, His Lordship Dr. George Jonathan Dodo. Eternal rest grant unto him O’Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Since then, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Pius Kagarko is the Zaria Diocesan Administrator.

Peace 🙏
21/9/2023