San Juan Archbishop Presents Resignation to Vatican
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Archbishop Roberto González Nieves of San Juan submitted his resignation to the Holy See in june, reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, according to reports. While the resignation has not yet been accepted by Pope Leo XIV,González Nieves will continue to lead the Archdiocese until a successor is appointed.
Archbishop González Nieves confirmed his submission in an interview with WAPA’s Noticentro. His press spokesman, Samuel Soto, confirmed via text message that the Pope has not yet acted on the resignation.
The process for accepting the resignation of a bishop can be lengthy, potentially exceeding a year. The case of Bishop Rubén Antonio González Medina of Ponce, who reached retirement age in February 2024, illustrates this, as his resignation remains pending with both Pope Francis and the current pontiff.
according to article 2, section 401 (1), Chapter II of the Bishops of Book II of the Code of Canon Law, “A diocesan bishop who has reached the age of seventy-five is requested to present the resignation of his office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will provide for it taking into account all the circumstances.”
González Nieves turned 75 on June 2nd. He has led the Archdiocese of San Juan for 25 years, having been ordained as a priest 48 years ago.
In a June interview with The New Day, the Archbishop reflected on the evolution of the Catholic Church, stating, “The Catholic Church has survived more than 2,000 years because it has been changing. The Church does not change its essence, the deposit of its faith, but it evolves in its responses to the cultural context of its time.” He cited examples of progress within the Church, such as the appointment of lay chancellors and allowing women to proclaim biblical readings during mass.