A sense of initiative, sobriety, a fatherly spirit and respect for the norms governing ecclesiastical attire have been listed by the papal nuncio to Ireland as some of the qualities required of a modern Catholic bishop.
The desired attributes are outlined in a confidential letter sent to some priests in the diocese of Down and Connor by the nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto. Dated March 15th, it invited the priests to nominate candidates as a possible successor to Dr Patrick Walsh, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Bishops are also to be appointed shortly to the dioceses of Achonry and Ossory.
Before appointments are made to the hierarchy, it is normal practice for the papal nuncio to write to selected priests in a diocese seeking their views on who might be appointed.
However, such letters are highly confidential and it is seldom that the qualities sought by the nuncio emerge in such detail as on this occasion.
In a questionnaire sent with his letter, Archbishop Lazzarotto sought details of potential candidates' "physical appearance; health; capacity for work; [and] family background with particular reference to any possible hereditary condition". He also wanted to know about their "intellectual endowment and practical skills; temperament; judgment and balance, sense of responsibility; [ and] ability to establish ties of friendship".
The nuncio sought information on candidates under 11 category headings, including "personal attributes", "human qualities" and "moral character".
Category 6, "Discipline", sought details on the proposed successor's "loyal obedience to the Holy Father, the Apostolic See, the Sacred Hierarchy; esteem for and acceptance of priestly celibacy as put forward by the magisterium of the church; respect for and observance of the norms governing divine worship and ecclesiastical attire".
Contacted by The Irish Times, Archbishop Lazzarotto responded that "all aspects relating to the process of episcopal appointments should be dealt with in the strictest of confidentiality . . .
"I trust that you will understand that I cannot depart from this practice."