Detroit archbishop’s installation proceeds without papal bull
March 25, 2025
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CWN Editor's Note: The March 18 installation of Archbishop Edward Weisenburger in Detroit took place without signed authorization from Pope Francis, in a curious departure from ordinary requirements.
Under normal circumstances a bishop cannot formally take possession of a diocese without a papal bull, bearing the Pontiff’s signature, authorizing his installation. But with Pope Francis hospitalized, and unable to sign the document, Cardinal Christopher Pierre, the apostolic nuncio, announced that he had prepared his own decree.
Actually an apostolic nuncio does not have the power under canon law to sign such a decree. However he does have the authority to proceed with a bishop’s installation before the papal document arrives.
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