As of noon Vatican time on Tuesday, September 3, following the retirement of Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Christopher Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich.
There are times in the life of the Church when a diocese lacks a diocesan bishop. During these transitions, the Church appoints an apostolic administrator to temporarily govern the diocese until a new bishop is installed. Canon Law provides specific guidance regarding the role of an Apostolic Administrator and how their presence affects a diocese. This appointment ensures that the diocese continues to function under the care of an experienced shepherd while the process of procuring a new bishop begins.
Unlike a diocesan bishop, whose appointment is permanent until retirement or transfer, the apostolic administrator exercises governance temporarily. Canon 371 §2 of the Code of Canon Law defines an apostolic administrator as one “appointed by the supreme authority for a period of time when the episcopal see is vacant or impeded.”
What Can and Cannot Happen Under the Care of an Apostolic Administrator?
While the apostolic administrator assumes many responsibilities of a diocesan bishop, certain limitations exist on their authority.
What can happen?
• Spiritual and pastoral care: Archbishop Coyne, as the apostolic administrator, has the authority to govern the diocese and provide for its spiritual and pastoral needs, including administering the sacraments, overseeing diocesan institutions, and guiding the clergy and faithful.
• Administrative decisions: He is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the diocese, ensuring that financial and administrative aspects continue to function smoothly.
• Personnel appointments: With the Pope’s permission, Archbishop Coyne may make necessary clerical appointments, such as assigning priests to parishes or handling urgent matters in diocesan administration.
What cannot happen?
• Major long-term decisions: An apostolic administrator is generally not authorized to make decisions that will have lasting effects on the diocese, such as selling diocesan property, closing parishes, or initiating new diocesan programs. These decisions are typically reserved for the incoming bishop.
• Structural changes: Archbishop Coyne is bound by Church law to refrain from restructuring the diocese significantly, ensuring the new bishop can shape the diocese according to their pastoral vision.
• Sacred ordinations: In certain cases, an apostolic administrator may need the approval of the Holy See to ordain deacons or priests; however, this varies based on the specific mandate given by the Pope.
What Next?
With Archbishop Coyne serving as the apostolic administrator, the process of procuring a new bishop for the Diocese of Norwich continues at the Vatican. The Congregation for Bishops oversees the nomination and selection of candidates, gathering input from local bishops and Church leaders. The apostolic nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who represents the Holy See in the United States, plays a key role in presenting candidates to the Pope.
While the selection process occurs, Archbishop Coyne’s governance ensures that the diocese remains stable and continues its mission. It is important to note that the process of choosing a new bishop involves prayerful discernment and can take several months, as the Pope carefully selects a candidate best suited to lead the diocese.
In the Diocese of Norwich, under Archbishop Coyne’s care, we can be confident that the diocese will continue to serve the faithful effectively as we await the Holy Father’s appointment of a new bishop to shepherd our diocese into the future.
By Wayne Gignac