The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the Right Reverend Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds, as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, raising him to the dignity of Archbishop at the same time.
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments promotes liturgical pastoral activity, especially regarding the celebration of the Eucharist. It gives support to the diocesan bishops so that the Christian faithful may share more actively in the sacred liturgy; sees to the drawing up and revision of liturgical texts; grants the recognitio to translations of liturgical books and their adaptations that have been lawfully prepared by conferences of bishops.
It is one of the nine congregations (department with a jurisdiction) in the Holy See that form part of the Roman Curia. The Roman Curia, together with the Pope, is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church. Each Congregation is led by a prefect, who is a Cardinal, the current prefect is Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera. The outgoing Secretary is Joseph Augustine Di Noia, O.P.
Bishop Roche, said:
“I have to confess that I was very surprised and shocked by the news of this appointment. I am sorry to be leaving the Diocese of Leeds with its priests and people whom I have loved very much. I shall miss them enormously.
“I am, however, aware and deeply humbled by the confidence Pope Benedict XVI shows in me in entrusting me with this responsibility. I shall do my best to fulfil the task that lies ahead.”
Archbishop Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said:
“It is a great honour for England and Wales that one of our Bishops has been given this responsibility in service of the Apostolic See. Bishop Arthur has our full support and prayers as he undertakes this role. We will miss him very much.”
NEWS
Pope appoints Bishop Arthur Roche to senior role in Rome
The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the Right Reverend Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds, as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.
BACKGROUND
Biography
A biography of Bishop Arthur Roche, Secretary of the Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
PROFILE
Divine Worship
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is one of the nine congregations in the Holy See that form the Roman Curia.
