Newsletter:
Cardinal Roger Mahony has served as archbishop for more than two decades and will soon turn 74. The usual retirement age for his post is 75.

Cardinal Roger Mahony has served as archbishop for more than two decades and will soon turn 74. The usual retirement age for his post is 75.

Search for successor to LA's Cardinal Mahony has begun

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles said Thursday a search is under way for a successor to Cardinal Roger Mahony, who has spent 25 years as the spiritual leader of the nation's largest diocese and presided over a record-breaking clergy abuse settlement.

GILLIAN FLACCUS | Los Angeles Times | Published: 02/12/2010 11:58
Mahony, the longest-serving U.S. cardinal since the Second Vatican Council, turns 74 on Feb. 27, and under church rules, bishops submit their resignation at age 75 to the pope.

The pope can decide whether to keep a bishop on the job longer.

Auxiliary Bishop Edward Clark notified his pastoral staff of the news in a memo Wednesday and included a prayer to be recited by parishioners for the success of the selection process.

The memo was first posted on the Catholic Web site Whispers in the Loggia.

A spokesman for the archdiocese confirmed to The Associated Press that the prayer was distributed.

"It's just an acknowledgment that the Cardinal is turning 74 and we have a year to go before he turns 75 and is required to submit his resignation," said Tod Tamberg, the spokesman.

Source