"The first time this has happened"

M. Jean-Bertrand Aristide?
Donald | 07.30.08 - 7:53 pm | #

What about A? He wasn't a bishop.
Ed Peters | Homepage | 07.30.08 - 8:57 pm | #

oh, I said last April, Rome was likely considering doing exactly this. http://www.canonlaw.info/2008/04...p- fernando.html
Ed Peters | Homepage | 07.30.08 - 9:04 pm | #

Let me get this straight; did the new President ASK to be removed from his clerical state? If so, he must be comended in some way for knowing the situation he was in adn asking the Pope to release him, unlike Fr Drinan.
Rob in Maine | 07.31.08 - 8:38 am | #

I wonder if anyone can clarify something for me. I think I've read that pre-Vatican II, a bishop, by contrast to a priest, could not be laicized or given permission to marry, even by the pope. Not sure whether this was specified in Canon Law or not. But I think the idea was that, having received the fullness of the priesthood, a bishop's obligation was absolutely irrevocable. I'm not trying to be rhetorical or score points here, just looking for confirmation on a point of history and practice. Thanks.
john M. | 08.04.08 - 10:29 pm | #

There are bishops who never care for their people and priests and thus why priest leaves their priesthood. This man lugo appears to be so much committed to his flock and countrymen that he even shed his cassok. He doesnot appear to be power hungry. Let us watch him for next five years and judge.
Vincent Barla | Homepage | 09.26.08 - 2:53 am | #