[Michael Goldsberry]

Laz, what are you up to over there?

[Izzy Dunne]

The Vatican has developed an A-bomb and will declare war on Iran and Syria.

< slap >

[Salvation]

Catholic Discussion Ping!

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[Salvation]

Are the bloggers going to be correct here.

I just noted a thread about a new nuncio in Arab countries.

Hmmmmm.

[Aussie Dasher]

Whispers from DownUnder that Cardinal George Pell may well be in line for the Pontiff's former role!

[NYer]

From 'Whispers in the Loggia' blogspot ......

From an astute reader in Rio, we get this from O Globo: Translation:

"Cardinal in Rome. It is considered as certain in the Vatican. Eusébio Oscar Scheid [...] will be transferred to Rome."

I was actually tipped to this earlier in the week and have discussed it at length with some Brazilian operatives; the reports on-the-ground in Latin America are said to be of the same intensity which preceded the appointment of Lucas Neves as prefect of Bishops in 1998 -- a flurry of advance buzz not seen before or since.

Scheid taught dogmatic theology and liturgy before his appointment as a bishop, which would make him a prime candidate for either Divine Worship or Catholic Education. But, considering the conjoined role of the prefect of Bishops with the presidency of the Commission for Latin America, this too is a distinct possibility.

Then again, who said the two functions would stay united once the curial reform is complete? It was specifically pointed out to me that Scheid is particularly appealing due to his background, both as a religious (he's a priest of the Sacred Heart Fathers) and his ethnic upbringing. He, along with Hummes, continues the long-standing tradition of Brazilian cardinals of German heritage -- both speak fluent German and are well-accustomed to the ways of the Pope's native country. Given that context, experience with both the institutional present and future of global Catholicism can be found, which is a rare and priceless commodity these days considering the exigencies of a rapidly changing international situation. Not to mention the shared cultural milieu providing a base for a solid relationship with the Boss....

Even closer to home, the word's been floating that another American prelate has gotten happy words and been asked to board the Mothership..... More on that as the secrets allow.

Catholic Ping
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[Dominick]

One thing I did think about before may be coming true. We are going to see something new after this Synod, if he really is going to finally make the appointments. Expect to see a lot of non-promotions as well, that is, removing an ineffective or "problem" Bishop, by giving them an "important" job in Rome. Like reviewing reports on the counting of tiles in the Churches.

A lot is going to happen, and I expect there are a lot of surprises in store.

I hope I hear, "Cardinal Mahoney, you are in charge of extra-terrestrial evangelizing, take Bishop Lynch as a secretary..."

[Frank Sheed]

I have been following this on the "periphery" for some time. Catholic World News carried a "teaser" on it today. It seems the Holy Father hates the current organizational scheme of the Curia. For one thing, many in key positions are past or near retirement. Second, Pope Benedict was said to be none too happy with the elevation of State over CDF as occurred under Pope John Paul the Great. So, there has been a persistent rumor of a coming and wholesale change in the Curia. A recent move gave one congregation the "portfolios" of all the priests in the world so that their records are not scattered all over the place. Thus, if a red flag should arise, the same Congregation can see if there is a "dossier" on the man. I also wonder if the head of CDF will be the Pope? That is the way things functioned for a long time and the Prefect was actually a glorified secretary who handled day to day matters. Where that leaves Cardinal Pell and rumors concerning him is anyone's guess although it could mean he will become a Cardinal Bishop like Cardinal Arinze (meaning two key Liturgical men in the top ranks of the Curia).

I tend to think that this could indicate a lot of bright, young, orthodox men moving into key positions. It is said that September is to be the month of Curial Reform. With the Synod coming up, this could be a huge bombshell as it is before the Synod. I also think the Archbishop Marini may have done his last Papal Mass.

In all organizations, act quickly or the impulse to reform becomes dragged down with inertia.

Frank

[Salvation]

'Radical' changes coming for Buffalo-area Catholics

[Salvation]

Age of Vatican officials fuels talk of Curia overhaul

[Salvation]

Vatican official says he expects November papal trip to Istanbul

[Salvation]

VIS Press Release - Papal Appointments - September 8, 2005

Here come some more changes!

[Salvation]

What's the buzz? At Vatican, officials wait for curial changes