The Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland has rejected suggestions that clergy were sidelined in the recent transfer of Bishop Niall Coll from Ossory to Raphoe, insisting that no complaints have been “heard” and that there is no “praxis” of consulting local priests ahead of a bishop’s transfer.
In a statement issued in response to a query from this paper, the Nunciature said that, “as stated in Canon Law and the instructions of the Dicastery for Bishops, consultations were made for the nomination of the Bishop of Raphoe.” It added that “The so called ‘synodal Church’ has not yet introduced any changes to the current ecclesiastical legislation.”
“As usual, the Apostolic Nuncio does not make any comment on decisions taken by the Holy Father,” the statement continued.
The clarification came after The Irish Catholic asked the Nunciature about reports that priests in the Diocese of Ossory have complained (see page 40), that they were not consulted or even informed about Bishop Niall Coll’s transfer from Ossory to the Raphoe Diocese before the official announcement on November 12. According to those priests, the situation highlighted the “irony” of promoting a “synodal Church” while leaving “the clergy and people of Ossory out of the conversation.
