Selection of Bishops

Abstract

Yet even Catholics know little about the process by which their bishops are selected. Church documents describe the process in skeletal outline, but the appointments are shrouded in secrecy with the participants bound by a vow of silence (papal secret) about the names under consideration. Although no one is willing to reveal the names and backgrounds of episcopal candidates, key participants were willing to describe in detail to me the process itself. Some interviews were given with the understanding that although the information could be published, the sources could not be revealed. Others, such as Archbishop Jean Jadot, former Apostolic Delegate to the United States, were willing to be quoted for the record.