VATICAN CITY, FEB. 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI confirmed Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar for the Diocese of Rome, as president of the Italian bishops' conference.
According to a statement from the Vatican Press Office, the confirmation of the cardinal's office will stand "donec aliter provideatur," until further notice.
Cardinal Ruini turns 75 years old next Sunday. That is when, according to canon law, he is required to present his resignation from pastoral governance. It is up to the Pope to decide whether and when to accept such a resignation.
According to the statutes of the bishops' conference, its president is selected by the Pope, who, as Bishop of Rome, is also primate of Italy. In general, the president's term is for five years.
Cardinal Ruini has been president of the conference since March 7, 1991. Pope John Paul II reconfirmed him in that office on March 7, 1996, and March 6, 2001.
The announcement came after the agency ANSA published the text of a letter on Monday attributed to Archbishop Paolo Romeo, apostolic nuncio in Italy, in which the country's bishops are consulted on names for a possible new president of the conference.
Among other things, Cardinal Ruini is a member of the Council of Cardinals for the study of the Holy See's organizational and economic problems. He is also a member of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops and of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.
ZE06021403 - 2006-02-14
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-15277?l=english
Cardinal Ruini Staying On as President of Bishops' Conference
Benedict XVI Confirms Him in an Office He's Held Since 1991
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