As reported here yesterday in an exclusive English- language brief, Benedict XVI this morning confirmed Cardinal Camillo Ruini as president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy (CEI) "until further provision is made" ("donec aliter provideatur"). This was done in light of Ruini's 75th birthday this coming Sunday and the end of his third quinquennial term in the highly-influential post on 6 March.Given the beginnings of a rare consultation process among the Italian bishops to choose Ruini's successor as head of the CEI, this morning's move was undertaken in the interests of a smooth transition, and so that Ruini can take his leave from the position after he presides over the Italian church's National Congress, scheduled to take place at Verona from 16-20 October.
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