Thursday, March 15, 2012

Pope renews term for president of Italian bishops' conference

Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa has been confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI to a second 5-year term as president of the Italian bishops’ conference. 

Cardinal Bagnasco was chosen by Pope Benedict in 2007 to succeed Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who had been the head of the Italian episcopal conference for a remarkable 16-year stretch. 

Although Cardinal Bagnasco has sometimes clashed with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pontiff has now reaffirmed his support.

Italy is the only country in which the Pope chooses the head of the episcopal conference. 

In most countries the bishops elect their own leader.