Podeszły wiek kandydatów przy nominacjach biskupów diecezjalnych według Kodeksu prawa kanonicznego z 1983 roku
The advanced age of the candidates for the appointment of diocesan bishops in according to the Code of Canon Law 1983

Summary/Abstract: The considerations are related to the question of the advanced age of candidates for the office of diocesan bishop after the entry into force of the Code of Canon Law of 1983. The can. 401, § 1 requests the resignation of that office at the age of 75, but the final decision to accept that resignation is taken by the Bishop of Rome. Meanwhile, the Holy See entrusts and entrusts this office to clergy also at the age of close to the time of the required resignation – can. 378, § 2. The examples of diocesan bishops presented show, first of all, the baggage of life and pastoral experience gained, which guaranteed proper preparation for the duties undertaken. Many of the appointed diocesan bishops in old age came from countries with which concordats were concluded. Some had to contend with a communist and post-communist regime. In all the cases discussed, there was also the activity of an ongoing or established apostolic nunciature. In this way, through contact between the papal legate and the local pastoral issues, the sustainability of the performance of the tasks of diocesan bishops in the various particular Churches was ensured, in accordance with can. 145, § 1. Attention should be paid to the diversity of situations and structures of individual ecclesiastical units and their recognition by state legislation. Some bishops appointed in old age have undertaken the task of re-creating structures called to the life of dioceses. In the case of this year’s appointment of a bishop in the Diocese of Chur in Switzerland, the Holy See has made public the which will allow the new pastor to carry out his mission for at least five years and without the need for formal resignation into the hands of the Bishop of Rome.

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