How Bishops are Appointed

The ultimate decision in appointing bishops rests with the pope, and he is free to select anyone he chooses. But how does he know whom to select? 

The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves a number of important players – the most influential being the apostolic nuncio, the Dicastery for Bishops, and the pope. It can be a time consuming process, often taking eight months or more to complete. While there are distinctions between the first appointment of a priest as a bishop and a bishop's later transfer to another diocese or his promotion to archbishop, the basic outlines of the process remain the same. 

Every bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests he thinks would make good bishops. Prior to the regular province meeting (usually annually), the archbishop distributes to all the bishops of the province the names and curricula vitae of priests which have been submitted to him. Following a discussion among the bishops at the province meeting, a vote is taken on which names to recommend. The number of names on this provincial list may vary. The vote tally, together with the minutes of the meeting, is then forwarded by the archbishop to the apostolic nuncio in Washington. The list is also submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). 

By overseeing the final list of names forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nuncio plays a decisive role in the selection process. He not only gathers facts and information about potential candidates, but also interprets that information for the Dicastery. Great weight is given to the nuncio's recommendations, but it is important to remember that his "gatekeeper" role, however, does not mean that his recommendations are always followed. 

• After receiving the list of candidates forwarded by a province, the apostolic nuncio conducts his own investigation into the suitability of the candidates. 
• A report is requested from the current bishop or the administrator of a diocese on the conditions and needs of the diocese. If the appointment is a replacement for a diocesan bishop or archbishop about to retire, consideration will be given to the incumbent's recommendations. Broad consultation within the diocese is encouraged with regard to the needs of the diocese, but not the names of candidates. 
• The report is to include the names of individuals in the diocese with whom the nuncio might consult and how to contact them. 
• Previous bishops of the diocese are consulted. 
• Bishops of the province are consulted 
• The president and vice president of the USCCB are consulted. 
• If the vacancy to be filled is an archdiocese, other archbishops in the United States may be consulted. 
• At this point, the nuncio narrows his list and a questionnaire is sent to 20 or 30 people who know each of the candidates for their input. 
• All material is collected and reviewed by the nuncio, and a report (approximately 20 pages) is prepared. Three candidates are listed alphabetically – the terna – with the nuncio's preference noted. All materials are then forwarded to the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome.

Once all the documentation from the nuncio is complete and in order, and the prefect approves, the process moves forward. If the appointment involves a bishop who is being promoted or transferred, the matter may be handled by the prefect and the staff. If, however, the appointment is of a priest to the episcopacy, the full Dicastery is ordinarily involved. 

A cardinal relator is chosen to summarize the documentation and make a report to the full Dicastery, which generally meets twice a month on Thursdays. After hearing the cardinal relator's report, the Dicastery discusses the appointment and then votes. The Dicastery may follow the recommendation of the nuncio, chose another of the candidates on the terna, or even ask that another terna be prepared. 

At a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops presents the recommendations of the Dicastery to the Holy Father. A few days later, the pope informs the Dicastery of his decision. The Dicastery then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is "yes," the Vatican is notified and a date is set for the announcement. 

It often takes six to eight months—and sometimes longer—from the time a diocese becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.