Official dismisses speculation of archbishop's successor
(AP) Roman Catholics here are speculating over a possible successor for Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis, who will reach the common retirement age of 75 in less than two years. Flynn turned 73 last month and at that age, the Vatican could appoint a coadjutor bishop who works with the current leader until taking over.
With talks about Flynn's successor appearing on the Web and e-mail lists, Rev. Joseph Johnson told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that only a select few know who'll replace Flynn or when the announcement will be made.
The appointment comes directly from the Pope.
"If he invites advice or background information on certain candidates, all of that is seen as direct collaboration with the Holy Father and held to utmost confidentiality," said Johnson, assistant chancellor for the archdiocese.
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"The pain of violating that trust is actually excommunication."
Flynn hasn't commented on the speculation and archdiocese spokesman Dennis McGrath said it's all rumors until formally announced.
"I can very safely say that anybody circulating rumors is off base," Johnson said. "If they guess enough names, they might guess correctly in the long run."
Flynn came to the Twin Cities from Louisiana as a coadjutor to former Archbishop John Roach in 1994, replacing him in 1996.
Flynn leads 750,000 Twin Cities-area Catholics in 222 parishes in 12 counties. As an archbishop, he also governs a province, or group of dioceses. Flynn heads a province that includes 10 dioceses in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
When considering the appointment of a U.S. bishop, the diplomatic representative in Washington, D.C., gathers background on candidates and sends it to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.
There, the office sets up a review by a committee of cardinals, who then make recommendations to the pope.
"What is very clear is that the Vatican moves carefully and confidentially in any sort of assignment of bishops," Johnson said. "Word won't just be leaking out there on the street."
