Following the appointment of Archbishop Anthony Randazzo as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, the Diocese of Broken Bay now enters a period known as “sede vacante” (Latin for “the seat being vacant).
During this period, the normal authority is suspended and limited governance is carried out by the appointed Diocesan Administrator, Fr David Ranson.
The process of appointing a new bishop will also commence.
Here’s how the process works according to Canon Law:
In the first instance, it’s important to understand, it’s the Holy Father who appoints bishops.
Can. 377 §1: The Supreme Pontiff freely appoints Bishops or confirms those lawfully elected.
At least every three years, the Bishops of Australia draw up a list of candidates who might be suitable to be a bishop one day. In addition to this, Bishops have the individual right to make known to the Apostolic See, the name of any priest they think worthy and suitable to be a bishop.
Canon 377 §2: At least every three years, the Bishops of an ecclesiastical province or, if circumstances suggest it, of an Episcopal Conference, are to draw up, by common accord and in secret, a list of priests, even of members of institutes of consecrated life, who are suitable for the episcopate; they are to send this list to the Apostolic See. This is without prejudice to the right of every Bishop individually to make known to the Apostolic See the names of priests whom he thinks are worthy and suitable for the episcopal office.
When a vacancy or need for a new bishop arises, a “ternus” (a list of three suitable candidates) is proposed to the Apostolic See. In Australia, it’s the responsibility of the Apostolic Nuncio to seek the suggestions of the Metropolitan and Suffragen Bishops of the vacant Diocese. He can also see the suggestion of the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
To be a candidate, the person must:
be outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues, and possess those other gifts which equip him to fulfil the office in question;
be held in good esteem;
be at least 35 years old;
be a priest ordained for at least five years;
hold a doctorate or at least a licentiate in sacred Scripture, theology or canon law, from an institute of higher studies approved by the Apostolic See, or at least be well versed in these disciplines. (Canon 378)
The Nuncio will also seek the views of the Diocese’s College of Consultors. He may also seek to consult, in secret and individually, the opinions of priests, religious, lay people and other people of “outstanding wisdom”. He will then send the suggestions, along with his own opinion, to the Dicastery for Bishops.
Canon 377 §3: Unless it has been lawfully prescribed otherwise, for the appointment of a diocesan Bishop or a coadjutor Bishop, a ternus, as it is called, is to be proposed to the Apostolic See. In the preparation of this list, it is the responsibility of the papal Legate to seek individually the suggestions of the Metropolitan and of the Suffragans of the province to which the diocese in question belongs or with which it is joined in some grouping, as well as the suggestions of the president of the Episcopal Conference. The papal Legate is, moreover, to hear the views of some members of the college of consultors and of the cathedral chapter. If he judges it expedient, he is also to seek individually, and in secret, the opinions of other clerics, both secular and religious, and of lay persons of outstanding wisdom. He is then to send these suggestions, together with his own opinion, to the Apostolic See.
Once at the Dicastery for Bishops, the Nuncio’s report is reviewed. They may approve the Nuncio’s top choice, pick another or reject the list entirely and tell the Nuncio to begin the process from the beginning.
The head of the Dicastery, Archbishop Filippo Iannone OCarm, will then present the final recommendation to the Pope, who will ultimately have the final say over the appointment. He may agree with the committee, select another option or propose his own option entirely.
Once the appointment has been made, the candidate will be contacted by the Nuncio, who will then choose to accept or refuse the appointment. If he is already a Bishop, he can only reject the appointment through appeal to the Dicastery for Bishops.
Once the appointment is accepted, it will be announced by the Holy See. If the candidate is not already a bishop, he must be ordained within three months.
Canon 379: Unless prevented by a lawful reason, one who is promoted to the episcopate must receive episcopal consecration within three months of receiving the apostolic letters, and in fact before he takes possession of his office.
Australia is currently without an Apostolic Nuncio, following the retirement of Archbishop Charles Balvo on 29 June 2026.
Unfortunately, the process of appointing a new Bishop of Broken Bay will not be able to proceed until a new Apostolic Nuncio is appointed, which could be some months away.
