Head of Italian bishops says reforming body ‘an opportunity’

(ANSA) – Ancona, November 22 – The head of the Italian bishops’ conference (CEI) on Friday commented favorably on Pope Francis’ call to reform CEI’s leadership procedures, which would allow for elections by bishops instead of appointments by popes.

“It’s a moment of grace, of opportunity. We’ll see what the future holds,” said Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.

The influential CEI is the only bishops council in the world to have its two top leadership roles, president and secretary-general, named directly by the pope. Vatican watchers say reforms to allow Italian bishops to elect their leaders could be enacted before the end of Bagnasco’s term in 2017, in which case he may step down amid elections.