The Holy See Press Office reports (source) that Metropolitan Isidore (Battikha) of Homs, Hama and Yabrud of the Melkite Greek-Catholic Church has resigned. His resignation was accepted yesterday by Pope Benedict XVI.

I have two questions:

1. Metropolitan Isidore is only 60, so why has he resigned? I remember noticing him as an energetic auxiliary Bishop in Damascus when I spent some time there in the autumn of 1996.

2. Why was the resignation accepted by Pope Benedict XVI rather than by Patriarch Gregorios III, as would normally be the case in accordance with the canons?

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Good questions. I'm interested in the answers.

Kyrie eleison,

Manuel

It is possible I am missing something, but mandatory retirement because of age makes no sense to me.

LC:

Christ is in our midst!!

How is his Eminence' health? It's surprising what 14 years can do. I'm about the same age and age has definitely NOT been kind to me. But the men in my family tend to wear out early and fast. That's why my first question is how is the man's health. The other consideration is that every man needs to know his limits. Sometimes one gets to the point where he takes some time in prayer and reflection and the Holy Spirit nudges him into the idea that there is little more he can do in a specific situation and it's time to go while one is on top of his game. Unless one is on top with his health, there's no glory in dying with your boots on, IMHO.

May the Good Lord bless his Eminence for his years of faithful service and grant him many years in his retirement.

Bob

Bob,

you may be right. Perhaps Kyr Isidore is suffering from bad health. If so, prayers are needed.

And prayers for you, too!

I agree. Bishops should retire if and when their health (or other causes) demand it. Simply turning 75 is no reason to retire.

Just look at Pope Benedict XVI (83), or Maronite Patriarch Mār Naṣrallāh Buṭrus (90).

Indeed, canon law does not require bishops to retire at 75. It only requires them to offer their resignation. It is for the competent authority to actually accept their resignation.

LC,

A very interesting question. His Eminence was in attendance at the Synod. This was not one of the Sees indicated by the grapevine as being being the subject of a move or being vacated. I suppose that it's possible he tendered his resignation to the Synod for whatever reason, it was declined, and he carried through by submitting it to Rome - but that's a stretch of reasoning.

Many years,

Neil

Neil:

Christ is in our midst!!

Something bothers me about this report. Why would the Synod not handle this type of thing? The Melkite Catholic Church is probably the most independent of the Eastern Catholic Churches and probably the most apt to stand up to Rome when something comes along that makes the Melkite Church look like it is less than a sui juris Church within the Catholic Communion. Another thing that makes this bothersome is why a Melkite bishop would do an end-run around his own hierarchy--if this is, indeed, the case.

Any thoughts?

Bob

Bob,

None whatsoever. I'm at a loss to understand it.

Many years,

Neil