Today, Pope Benedict XVI formally accepted the resignation of Philadelphia Archbishop Cardinal Justin Rigali and has appointed Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput to take Rigali’s place.
The appointment comes at a critical time as the archdiocese continues to reel from what has been described as the mismanagement of a long simmering clergy sex abuse scandal. Back in March, Cardinal Rigali placed 21 priests on administrative leave following a grand jury report 37 cases of concern in the Archdiocese.
On September 8th – the day celebrated as the birthday of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic Church – Archbishop Chaput will be installed as the ninth Archbishop of Philadelphia. Our Matt McClure spoke with Rocco Palmo, a Philadelphia native, renowned Vatican insider, Currents contributor and author of the blog, “Whispers in the Loggia.”

