Sede Vacante
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzkAFVp8z4g0QJgR-9DRCozVHAPuxe9W9HXiKCmjRM2ygl4gOgRYIkOYGb3Agw8P3juKX5uS7gXsv_ifQE3PhIPsgoeTwP1DaHKtJhuMaRL8x_xnRFesmwQLRsVW5ahB6KruzkQ/s400/cathscr.jpg)
The resignations have immediate effect -- pending the installation of a permanent successor, the bishopric of Scranton is vacant.
As previously noted, a 10am press conference has been called at an undisclosed location in the Northeast Pennsylvania city. Martino and Dougherty will appear along with the freshly-named apostolic administrator, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, who now exercises the full powers of the diocesan bishop until the yet-unnamed successor's arrival.
Given his responsibilities in the River City and elsewhere, the 74 year-old cardinal -- the lone resident American member of the Congregation for Bishops -- will likely name a delegate to handle the day-to-day running of the diocese. Today's move is just the third time this decade that a Stateside red-hat has been called in to oversee a local church amid emergency circumstances.
As always, more as it happens.
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