Pope Appoints Bishop Richard Malone as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Portland

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Bishop Richard J. Malone as the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Portland. The announcement was made today and will be effective August 10th.

The appointment means that when Bishop Malone is installed as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, he remains the Administrator of the Diocese of Portland until a new diocesan bishop is named by the Holy Father.

The Church has two methods of appointing an administrator: either the Holy Father appoints an Apostolic Administrator or the College of Consultors (a group of priests of the diocese appointed and required to be consulted regarding specific important matters) elects a priest to serve as diocesan administrator directly after a bishop is installed in another diocese or upon his death. The powers of administration remain the same under either option.

The decision by the Holy Father is a statement of confidence in Bishop Malone’s abilities to lead both dioceses simultaneously until a new Bishop of Portland is in place.

As author of the pastoral letter on marriage, Marriage Yesterday—Today—Always, Bishop Malone says he accepted the responsibility especially in light of the need to continue the Church’s educational leadership as the referendum approaches which attempts to redefine marriage. This appointment also means there will be one less transition for the Diocese of Portland.

The farewell Masses, prayer services and receptions planned earlier for Bishop Malone have been postponed to later dates to be determined.