FORT WORTH (TX)
Star-Telegram
By Darren Barbee and Brett Hoffman
Star-Telegram Staff Writers
FORT WORTH - Monsignor Kevin W. Vann of Illinois has been named coadjutor bishop of the Fort Worth Roman Catholic Diocese and will succeed ailing Bishop Joseph Delaney when he retires, church officials announced Tuesday.
Vann, 54, was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on May 9. Vann will begin work in the diocese after his ordination as bishop, which is expected in July. ...
But news of Vann's appointment drew criticism from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. As a canon lawyer, Vann represents the Rev. John Calicott in his request to the Vatican to be allowed to resume his ministry after allegations of child abuse.
Calicott's request that Vann represent him was "very routine," Vann said. Under the charter, priests "are supposed to get a canon lawyer," he said.
The matter is still pending at the Vatican, Vann said.
David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said he found it troubling that someone who would represent Calicott has been elevated to bishop.