The Catholic Church is used to the practice: making and unmaking bishops is a common process, with a well-oiled method. With regard to resignation, in ordinary situations, a bishop must send his letter to the Pope on the day of his 75th birthday, in which he "hands over his office". The Holy Father can accept it or bring the prelate back to his post for a few more years. For contentious cases - scandals, illnesses, serious problems in the diocese - the case is first investigated by the Congregation for Bishops, one of the most powerful ministries in the Vatican. It is under the control of Canadian cardinal Marc Ouellet. This excellent connoisseur of the Church of France was appointed there in 2010 by Benedict XVI and confirmed to this strategic position by Pope Francis. Once instructed, the case is sent to the Pope for decision.The procedure is that, even if he does not wish to leave, the bishop in question must formally present his resignation to the pope who then “accepts” it.
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The Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Michel Aupetit, presented his resignation to the Pope
In the church
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