Italian Bishop Unexpectedly Resigns and Enters Monastery

Pope Francis accepts the resignation of Bishop D'Ercole and entrusts Bishop von Rieti with interim administration.

Vatican City (kath.net/ KAP) The bishop of Ascoli Piceno in central Italy, Giovanni d'Ercole, has suddenly given up his office. In a video broadcast by the diocese on Thursday, the 73-year-old spoke of a "difficult, suffered, but deeply free decision." He wanted to retire to a monastery for a while and then open up new perspectives. Pope Francis accepted D'Ercole's resignation on Thursday and entrusted the Bishop of Rieti, Domenico Pompili, with the interim administration.

D'Ercole, who was Auxiliary Bishop in L'Aquila in 2009, has headed the Diocese of Ascoli Piceno since 2014. One of the worst challenges of his tenure was the earthquake in central Italy in 2016. In the city of Arquata del Tronto, which belongs to the Diocese of D'Ercoles, 49 people died.

"In a difficult moment like this, when there is confusion in our society, when there is so much fear, I feel a deep desire to devote myself to prayer," said the bishop in his video message. "I will go to a monastery where I can accompany the Church more intensely, in meditation, contemplation and silence." D'Ercole added: "I feel that right now God is calling me to take a step so that I can serve in this way."

AMDG