‘Holy See vacancy has no effect on Cebu’

THE vacancy of the Holy See would have no effect in Cebu, except for religious congregations processing documents and cases under investigation in Rome, Italy.

“For the day-to-day administration, there is no effect here (in Cebu) because it is the bishops that have authority in local dioceses,” said Msgr. Raul Go, a Canon lawyer.

Fr. Jan. Limchua of the Vatican diplomatic school said last Sunday that the Pope and some colleagues had their annual Spiritual Exercises in the Apostolic Palace, which will end on Saturday morning. He will then meet the Italian president to say his farewell and express gratitude.

“Then on Sunday, he will have his last Sunday Angelus from his window. The last public appearance will be on Wednesday. The usual General Audience will be held in St.

Peter’s Square. (We are) anticipating a large number of crowds; they have decided not to issue tickets so that everyone could come and say their farewell to the Pope,” he said.

Departure

Limchua said that on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., the Pope will depart for his Summer residence, in Castel Gandolfo, via helicopter, an event that will be covered live by the Vatican’s TV station (CTV).

“He will be accompanied by his long-time secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein and some of his domestic staff and will stay there until the renovations of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican will be completed,” he said. The expected vacancy of the papacy by the end of the month is similar to the experience of the Archdiocese of Cebu more than two years ago, said a Canon Lawyer.

Msgr. Raul Go said this occurred from the time Pope Benedict XVI accepted the compulsory resignation letter of Ricardo Cardinal Vidal as Archbishop of Cebu and the installation of his successor, Archbishop Jose Palma.

Vidal submitted his compulsory resignation when he turned 75, but was asked to stay for five more years until a successor was chosen.

Administrator

Msgr. Go, following the Canon Law, said Cardinal Vidal acted as administrator of the archdiocese during the Sede Vacante (Vacant Seat).

“Before the installation of Palma, there was a vacancy of three months,” he said, adding that Palma’s appointment was on Oct. 15, 2010 and his installation was last Jan. 13, 2011.

“The administrator can either be appointed or elected. Rome can appoint while the auxiliary bishop automatically becomes the diocesan administrator,” he added.

Pope Benedict XVI had announced his resignation last Feb. 11 before a regular consistory of the Roman Curia or cardinals based in Rome, Italy.

He cited poor health as his reason for renouncing his positions as Bishop of Rome and successor of Saint Peter effective by month’s end. The cardinals, thereafter, are expected to convene a conclave to elect a new Pope.