An expert in canon law says there is no specific timetable to complete the investigation of Archbishop Apuron. But in light of Pope Francis' recent decree against sexual abuse, the results could come sooner than expected. Father Wilmer Rosario is a judge in the tribunal for the Archdiocese of Manila, and a graduate of the Angelicum, a pontifical university in Rome.

He told KUAM News, "We hope that since the issue of sexual abuse is egregious, especially against minors have a special or extraordinary gravity as considered in the church and church law, maybe it would be swifter, it would be quicker to decide on, but of course as always due process is considered."

Father Rosario says the appointment of a temporary replacement for the archbishop does not necessarily mean he will be replaced.  But should there be a removal, nominations for a successor are usually received from the local bishop or clergy and sent to the papal nuncio, the permanent diplomatic representative of the pope to a state. Both Archbishop Apuron and his predecessor the late archbishop Felixberto Flores are from Guam. 

But Father Rosario says there is no local mandate, adding, "So all the candidates can come from whoever the clergy is most fit for the position. The papal nuncio conducts an investigation when there are nominations of a candidate, they do an investigation and that is supposedly secret, secreto, they investigate the character, the past ministry and then the papal nuncio, the papal legate submits the nomination to the holy see, to the Vatican."

And ultimately the decision will be made by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.