Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and the Holy Land Bishop Paul Marcuzzo has sent a message to the Latin Patriarchate bishops, priests, nuns and believers in which he informed them that, according to the age regulations relevant to the Latin Church, he tendered his resignation to His Holiness Pope Francis. He also thanked the Latin Patriarchate for cooperation and joint action conducted in the service of believers.

In his letter he says,” I marked my 75th birthday on April 24, 2020. According to the church regulations, a bishop of this age is required to submit his resignation from his position to His Holiness the Pope. This is exactly what I did, as I sent a message to His Holiness Pope Francis through the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. As I await the response of the Holy See, which may be soon or in a few months or more, the Apostolic Nuncio asked me to continue to perform my usual pastoral duties at present. This position was also confirmed by the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Once my resignation is accepted I will become a bishop emeritus.”

Stressing that once his resignation is accepted this does not mean that he will not take official responsibilities. He said that he will continue to perform useful duties in the Holy Land and that he puts himself at the disposal of the Latin Patriarchate.

Source: Jerusalem-en.abouna.org