by Anura Guruge
17-days ago, on November 4, 2011, the Unmentionable turned 80 and ceased to be a cardinal elector (though he for ever sullied the credibility of 2005 conclave by his presence).
Then the Vatican in yet another of those inexplicable lapses in sensitivity, let alone common sense, had the audacity to publicize the gala banquet that was organized for his birthday — with steps even taken to ensure that all of the prelates from Boston just happened to be in Rome that day!
Suffice to say there was outcry. The poor, innocent victims, yet again, asked the pope (way too politely) to end his tenure as a cardinal.
The pope yet again turned a deaf ear — highlighting that even Austrian Hans Hermann Groër died a cardinal. The last time a cardinal was deprived of his rank was in 1927! [See this post.] I, as a father, did what little I could to express my frustration and outrage.
I was out till noon today. When I got back I had two gleeful e-mails, one from Boston, the other a bit south of there. (Thank you.) Both wanted to make sure that I had heard the news.
It is actually funny but telling. The Vatican, at least in this instance, having got it wrong for so long, finally appeared to have seen the light.
Like me, they didn’t mention him by name!
Bravo. Thank you.
Rather than mention that he had been relieved of his post as Archpriest, they announced the new Archpriest — with no mention of what happened to the prior holder. Bravo.
Here is the actual announcement. It is worth seeing in its original form:
Contrary to what some are saying this had NOTHING to do with age.
Canon 401 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law only applies to diocesan bishops and he ceased to be that in December 2002. I checked the Code. There appears to be no retirement age for Archpriests. So this was NOT a retirement. Thank God.
The take from a Boston publication — send to me by the Boston correspondent.
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