February 15, 2024 / 09:53 AM
The Vatican Press Office reported this February 15 that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán from the position of Bishop of David in Panama, two weeks after his disappearance, which has not yet been explained, and named his successor to Father Luis Enrique Saldaña Guerra.
The appointment occurs a few days before Cardinal Lacunza turns 80 on February 24, the day on which he will cease to be an elector in a possible conclave to elect the new Pope.
The Panamanian Episcopal Conference (CEP) published a statement of “gratitude to Cardinal José Luis Lacunza and welcome to the designated bishop of the Diocese of David,” in which it is stated that the Holy Father accepted the resignation of the Cardinal “after almost five years.” of having complied with the provisions of canon 401 1 of the Code of Canon Law”, which requests bishops to present their resignation at the age of 75.