Papal appointments Archives

Pope accepts resignation of Sioux Falls bishop; names successor
- Dec 12, 2019
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul J. Swain of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and appointed as his successor Father Donald E. DeGrood, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

By Catholic News Service
Pope Francis taps an American as spokesman in communications shakeup
- Dec 21, 2015
ROME — In moves that clearly seem to afford English-speaking communications officials in the Vatican greater influence and visibility, Pope Francis has named two key aides to new roles, including putting the first American in line eventually to serve as his personal spokesman. On Monday, the Vatican announced that Greg

By John L. Allen Jr.
Controversial preacher, writer Timothy Radcliffe given Vatican role
- May 16, 2015
An internationally known preacher and writer known for pushing the boundaries of Catholic orthodoxy and a strong ally of Pope Francis was given a boost by the Holy See Saturday. In a move sure to raise eyebrows among the Church’s traditional guard, Pope Francis named the Rev. Timothy Radcliffe a

By Michael O'Loughlin

A Chilean diocese is in an uproar over a bishop who defended an abuser

Mar 12, 2015

ROME — A decision by Pope Francis to assign a bishop in Chile linked to one of the country’s most notorious clerical sex abusers as the new leader of a local diocese has locals gathering signatures to try to block the appointment. Bishop Juan de la Cruz Barros Madrid, previously

In tapping new liturgy chief, Pope Francis reaches across the aisle

Nov 24, 2014

ROME — Just when you think you have Pope Francis figured out, he surprises you. In that spirit, Monday’s appointment of Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea as the new head of the Vatican’s department for liturgical policy will certainly surprise some. Sarah becomes the second African to have the Vatican’s