Up to 23 U.S. bishops could retire in 2005

Published: 2005-01-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Up to 23 U.S. bishops -- including three cardinals -- could retire because of age this year. There are only three still-active bishops who have already turned 75, but 20 others will celebrate their 75th birthday in 2005. Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka, 77, who has been in Vatican service since 1990, has been the oldest active U.S. cardinal since July 2003. This year Cardinals Adam J. Maida of Detroit and Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington will reach 75, the age at which church law says a bishop is requested to submit his resignation to the pope. Even if all three cardinals retire from their current posts, they will remain eligible to enter a conclave and elect a new pope until age 80.

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