Galante to Retire from Diocese of Camden

Courier Post
January 8, 2013

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20130107/SPECIAL17/130107007/?nclick_check=1

The Diocese of Camden will announce in a Tuesday press conference that Bishop Joseph Galante will retire. / JOHN ZIOMEK/Courier-Post

The Diocese of Camden plans a press conference Tuesday amid indications that Bishop Joseph Galante will retire.

Three diocesan priests, speaking anonymously, said Galante is stepping down due to health issues. The bishop, who turns 75 in July, announced in September 2011 he was beginning dialysis due to chronic kidney disease.

A Galante spokesman, Peter Feuerherd, would not identify the reason for the 10 a.m. press conference at diocesan headquarters in Camden.

The bishop’s successor is expected to be named at the press conference, said Rocco Palmo, a church analyst based in Philadelphia. Palmo also serves as an at-large member of the Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“Bishop Galante submitted his resignation early due to his health,” he said. “It’s been fairly well-known within diocesan circles for the better part of a year ... Obviously, it’s been a challenging time.”