Saturday, January 14, 2012

Cardinal George names new chief operating officer for archdiocese

Preparing to submit his mandatory letter of resignation to the pope, Cardinal Francis George has named a new chief operating officer for the archdiocese.

The Rev. Peter Snieg will become moderator of the curia, the top administrative position in the archdiocese, starting July 1. 

For the past several years Chancellor Jimmy Lago has assumed those responsibilities, a function technically reserved for a priest.

Lago's term as chancellor ends June 30. 

Today's change to the archdiocese governance prepares it for the transition to a new archbishop, George said.

George is required to submit a letter of resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on his 75th birthday. 

He celebrates that milestone on Monday.  

But he does not expect the pope to accept that resignation for at least two years.