By Eric Gorski
Colorado Springs Gazette
July 19, 2011
http://www.gazette.com/articles/chaput-121723-denver-philadelphia.html
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| Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput will succeed Cardinal Justin Rigali in Philadelphia. Rigali came under fire for his handling of abuse cases. Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/chaput-121723-denver-philadelphia.html#ixzz1SZC7sGr9 |
Pope Benedict XVI this morning named Denver Roman Catholic Archbishop Charles Chaput, an outspoken and at times polarizing figure in the American church, to lead the scandal-ridden Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Chaput, 66, will have the difficult task of succeeding Cardinal Justin Rigali, whose handling of clergy sexual-abuse cases has come under fire.
According to a brief statement by the Vatican, Benedict also accepted Rigali's resignation, citing reasons of age. As is required by church law, Rigali offered his resignation when he turned 75 in April of 2010.
A news conference is planned for later this morning in Philadelphia. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia includes about 1.4 million Catholics.
Chaput will be installed in the new job Sept. 8.
The move to one of the nation's preeminent dioceses puts Chaput in line to become a cardinal, joining the elite "princes of the church" who elect popes.
If form holds, it will be at least six months before a replacement for Chaput in Denver is named. The Denver archdiocese spans 24 northern Colorado counties and includes about 500,000 Catholics.
During his 14 years in Denver, Chaput has emerged as a strong voice of conservative, orthodox Catholicism very much in keeping with the vision of Pope Benedict.
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