Retired Bishop: Pope Resignation Could Delay Replacement
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI's resignation could cause a delay in a new bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Rochester.
Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark retired in September because he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.
The Pope has no retirement requirement.
Clark said he was as surprised as everyone else to learn that the Pope would resign, something that hasn't happened in anyone's lifetime.
"I think it is very wise I think it sets a good example. I think it puts the papcy in a more understandable human framework," said Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark, Rochester Diocese.
He speculates that it could mean a delay in finding his successor because the Pope needs to approve that person.
The current process takes about a year.
He says he has not been told anything from the Vatican.
"The curisoty will only grow deeper and more intense I suppose," said Bishop Emeritus Clark, as he spoke about who might replace him.
"Where the Bishop of Rochester falls into his inbox [the new Pope] is hard to say at this moment. We can only pray that it is an inspired choice," said Father Kevin McKenna, Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.
Clark says he and other members of the diocese will be told two to three days before his replacement is named.
