PREPARING FOR OUR NEW ARCHBISHOP

FROM COADJUTOR TO ARCHBISHOP

The seventh and last in a series on the office of the bishop

by members of the Archdiocesan Theological Commission

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the latest of a select number of dioceses in the United States to receive a coadjutor bishop.  The very title may sound unfamiliar to our ears and raise questions in our minds.  What does the term “coadjutor” mean when attached to the title “bishop” or “archbishop”?  Why is a coadjutor bishop appointed and what does he do?  How is he selected?  Who selects him?  

The word “coadjutor” means “assistant” and, in accord with church law, a coadjutor bishop is an assistant bishop who is appointed with the right of succession.  Where the principal or diocesan bishop is an archbishop, his coadjutor is called a coadjutor archbishop.  Upon the retirement of the Ordinary, the coadjutor archbishop automatically becomes the archbishop. 

Normally, a coadjutor bishop is appointed for one of two reasons: one, for the benefit of the bishop, whose health or abilities to administer the diocese are failing due to illness or advanced age, or two, for the benefit of the diocese that is anticipating a change of leadership in the office of bishop.  In the case of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the second of these reasons was the determining factor.  Nearing retirement age and recognizing the size and complexity of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles -- the largest and perhaps most complex diocese in the United States -- Cardinal Mahony requested that the Holy Father appoint a coadjutor archbishop who, over a period of months, might become familiar with the archdiocese.  This appointment, now made, will expedite a seamless and uninterrupted transition in the administration of the archdiocese. 

Until he assumes the office of archbishop, the task of the coadjutor archbishop is to become familiar with the particular characteristics, needs and operations of the archdiocese, as well as its clergy, staff, and parishes.  As he becomes more familiar with the archdiocese, he will begin to select the personnel who will best assist him in leadership. 

Once the Holy Father agreed to the appointment of a coadjutor archbishop, the process of selection followed Canon 377 in church’s Code of Canon Law.  The Apostolic Nuncio in Washington D.C. is the Holy Father’s representative to the government and to the bishops and dioceses of the United States.  It was his task to consult confidentially with a large number of bishops and others in church leadership, including Cardinal Mahony, in order to construct a profile of the particular characteristics and needs of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as a list of possible candidates from among the bishops of the United States.  The dossier he created was forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.  From this dossier the members of the Congregation created a short list or “ternus” of three candidates and submitted this list to the Holy Father.  In turn, the Holy Father made the final selection and then the appointment of the coadjutor and next archbishop for the Church of Los Angeles.

The liturgy for the reception of the coadjutor archbishop is also the liturgy for his reception as the next archbishop.  In its simplest form this reception takes place through four distinct actions within the context of the Mass.  After the homily, the current archbishop is formally asked to accept the appointment of a coadjutor.  The Apostolic Letter or mandate of appointment from the Holy Father is then read aloud.  Next, this letter is presented to the bishops and archdiocesan consultors who are present.  Finally, the participating clergy and faithful welcome the coadjutor and next archbishop with their applause.