Philadelphia's Archbishop Vying For Another Shot As VP Of American Bishops Conference
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's Archbishop, a candidate for election to a leadership post in the American Bishops Conference, is in Baltimore today for the opening of a week of meetings with fellow bishops and cardinals.
Archbishop Charles Chaput is among 10 nominated to run for office.
Three years ago, he just missed being elected vice president of the group.
Rocco Palmo, a Philadelphia-based journalist who covers the Catholic church, says the current vice president is expected to move up and Chaput is in line to take his place.
But Palmo says there's a complication.
"Archbishop Chaput is 72 years old, which you know, upon his election as president he would be 75 - the age of retirement - and so, essentially wouldn't be able to serve a full presidential term because once you're retired you have to leave your national positions."
Instead, Palmo says the archbishop could be poised to take charge of a key committee on the laity, marriage, family life, and youth.
He says the pastoral side of Chaput and his experiences as a priest and bishop are suited to handle those duties.
