Up to 28 more U.S. bishops could retire for age reasons in 2006

Published: 2006-01-03

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Following the Jan. 3 retirement of Ukrainian Bishop Basil H. Losten of Stamford, Conn., up to 28 other U.S. bishops, including five cardinals, could retire because of age this year. There are 14 still-active U.S. bishops, including three cardinals, who have already turned 75. Fourteen more, including two cardinals, will celebrate their 75th birthday in 2006. At age 75 bishops are requested to submit their resignation to the pope. Bishop Losten turned 75 last May 11. Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka, 78, who has been in Vatican service since 1990, has been the oldest active U.S. cardinal since July 2003. The former bishop of Gaylord, Mich., and former archbishop of Detroit turned 75 Sept. 14, 2002. In Vatican service since 1990, he is president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. In 2005 Cardinals Adam J. Maida of Detroit and Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington turned 75. Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore will be 75 March 4, 2006. Cardinal Bernard F. Law, archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, will be 75 Nov. 4, 2006.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .