Argentina: Pope Francis appoints Apostolic Administrator in the Archdiocese of La Plata

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Alberto Germán Bochatey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of La Plata (Argentina), until a new archbishop is appointed.

The news broke this Monday, after the resignation of Bishop Gabriel Mestre as Archbishop of La Plata, position he held since September 2023.

In a letter to the faithful, Bishop Mestre himself clarified that his resignation was requested by the Holy Father and that it is linked to the events that occurred in recent months in the Diocese of Mar del Plata, his district of origin and of which he was bishop for six years.

Upon his departure from Mar del Plata to assume the pastoral government of the Archdiocese of La Plata, the College of Consultants of the diocese appointed Father Luis Albóniga, who had been vicar general in recent years, as diocesan administrator.

In November, Pope Francis appointed Bishop of Mar del Plata to Bishop José María Baliñauntil then auxiliary of Buenos Aires, who resigned before taking office citing health and personal problems.

The Holy Father then appointed to that position the Auxiliary Bishop of San Juan de Cuyo, Mons. Gustavo Larrazábal, who He also resigned a few days before his inaugurationamid accusations of abuse of power and workplace harassment reported by the local press, and despite having received the support of Pope Francisthrough a letter published by the Apostolic Nunciature.

It was then that the Pontiff decided appoint Bishop Ernesto Giobando Apostolic Administrator for Mar del Plataalso Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires and a Jesuit he trusted.

A few days later, the decision of send Father Luis Albóniga to the Diocese of Jujuyalmost 2,000 kilometers from Mar del Plata, to begin a “canonical procedure” seeking to clarify his actions during the months in which he served as diocesan administrator.

This decision generated discontent in a sector of the parishioner, who began to demonstrate publicly asking for the return of the parish priest of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin to Mar del Plata, both on social networks and in local media. One of the most striking interventions was during the Chrism Mass, an occasion in which the faithful came to the cathedral carrying signs with the legend “Father Luis present.”

This Monday, after learning of the resignation of Bishop Mestre from the Archdiocese of La Plata, Bishop Alberto Bochatey, until now Auxiliary Bishop, assumed the position of Apostolic Administrator.

Through decree 518-2024 of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Francis determined that Bishop Bochatey will fulfill that assignment “until a new archbishop is elected and takes canonical possession of said archdiocese.”

Bishop Bochatey is 68 years old, and belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of La Plata on December 4, 2012 by Benedict XVI. His episcopal ordination was celebrated in the Cathedral of La Plata on March 9, 2013.

In the Holy See he is an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy for Life and a member of its Board of Directors. He is also general secretary of the Argentine Episcopal Conference.

Upon hearing the news of his appointment, Bishop Bochatey addressed the community with a letter in which he expresses: “We have to live a deeply theological and ecclesial moment in our Church that is pilgrimage in La Plata. We must respond with hope and deep love to God, to his Son Jesus Christ and to the Holy Spirit.”

“It is He who will give us his gifts, he will give us his light. Wisdom is a gift, like understanding, strength and piety; the knowledge and fear of God. These gifts allow us to discern, above all: the false and the true, the superfluous from the transcendental, selfishness and love. They allow us to listen to the Father in the things that happen to us and in the truth, which is his only way. Let us thank God,” he added.

The prelate thanked Pope Francis for “his trust and call,” and offered his service to everyone at this time, calling to be “united and serene” and to continue “on the pastoral path that we have been traveling.”