How Pope Leo XIV Chooses New Bishops for the Catholic Church Revealed in New Interview with the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops

 

Prefect Filippo Iannone on the Episcopal Vocation, Local Diversity, and Modern Challenges

Following a visit to Zagreb to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation and mark the 20th anniversary of the Croatian Catholic University, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, sat down with the Croatian Catholic weekly Glas Koncila. In this interview, he discusses the mission of his dicastery, the modern demands placed on bishops, and the vital role of the laity in the Church. The following is a summary of key points from the discussion - 

Glas Koncila: Could you introduce the Dicastery for Bishops and explain your role as Prefect?

Archbishop Iannone: The Dicastery oversees the life and establishment of dioceses, evaluates candidates for the episcopate to present to the Pope, and supports the ongoing ministry of bishops. Following Pope Francis’s constitution Praedicate Evangelium, our work relies heavily on interdicasterial collaboration—working closely with the Dicasteries for the Clergy, Consecrated Life, and others.

Our governing body is the Plenary, which is international and includes bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople (both men and women). As Prefect, I handle daily operations alongside a Secretary, while major policy decisions are made during periodic Plenary meetings.

GK: How does the Dicastery stay connected to local realities worldwide?

Archbishop Iannone: We rely heavily on Apostolic Nuncios, who understand local Church dynamics firsthand. Furthermore, Rome is not as distant as it might seem. Faithful from around the world regularly write to us regarding issues in their dioceses or concerns over local regulations conflicting with universal Church law. We investigate these matters to help restore harmony and uphold Church order.

GK: You took over this role after it was led by the Holy Father himself. How does that shape your approach?

Archbishop Iannone: It was an unexpected appointment, and like anyone in this role, I feel inadequate without God's help and our competent team. Stepping into a position previously held by the Holy Father means following a clear, established direction, which makes my task easier. Regular exchanges with the Pope help us maintain this alignment.

GK: What ideal or model guides the selection of candidates for the episcopate today?

Archbishop Iannone: The fundamental model is always Christ the Good Shepherd. In his regular meetings with bishops, the Pope emphasizes key priorities: evangelization, care for creation, an active prayer life, hospitality, and concern for the marginalized. We look for candidates who embody these traits within their specific local contexts.

GK: In a culture increasingly divided into echo chambers, how should a bishop navigate diversity?

Archbishop Iannone: As Church teaching reaffirms, movements and groups must see themselves as parts of a larger whole, not isolated entities. Diversity is a gift when ordered toward unity, but self-referential isolation harms the Church. The bishop acts as a father to the entire community, fostering unity while guiding those who stray. That ability to unite is a crucial quality in episcopal candidates.

GK: How do you balance local traditions with the unity of the universal Church?

Archbishop Iannone: As Vatican II noted, the Universal Church exists in and from particular Churches. A local Church is authentic only in communion with the whole. Saint Augustine’s famous principle applies well here: "In essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, freedom; in all things, charity." While core faith and sacramental discipline require unity, national and regional bishops' conferences now have broader freedom to adapt practices to local cultures.

GK: How does the Church reconcile hierarchical structure with modern expectations of democracy and listening?

Archbishop Iannone: Political categories don't fully fit the Church, but we do learn from the world. Every baptized person shares responsibility for the Church’s life. Canon law provides mechanisms—such as pastoral and finance councils—for the faithful to offer input and guidance. Bishops must lead through the Sacrament of Orders while empowering the laity to exercise their co-responsibility.

GK: Women now serve as members of your Dicastery. What has that experience been like?

Archbishop Iannone: Their contribution—from both religious and lay women—is invaluable. Women bring unique perspectives and sensitivities that greatly assist in evaluating candidates for the episcopate. Furthermore, Apostolic Nuncios are instructed to consult laypeople, including women, during local inquiries.

GK: Is it true that more priests are declining appointments as bishops?

Archbishop Iannone: Yes, this is a real phenomenon. It isn't just about past crises; the overall burden of episcopal ministry has grown significantly. Complex administration, priest shortages, and societal challenges make many feel unprepared. Being a bishop is not an "honor"—it is a heavy burden. Bishops are human, subject to discouragement, and they need the faithful’s prayers and support, not just criticism.

GK: How do you define true synodality?

Archbishop Iannone: Synodality is not about demanding rights or political maneuvering. It means recognizing that we are part of one body and sharing the weight of the Church together. The burden of a diocese shouldn't rest solely on the bishop's shoulders, but on all the faithful who actively participate in Church life.

GK: What are your impressions of the Church in Croatia?

Archbishop Iannone: This is my first visit, and I see a Church that has emerged from past suffering to build a vibrant community focused on co-responsibility. Seeing so many vocations here in Zagreb is a promising sign of spiritual health and vitality.

Source - https://www.glas-koncila.hr/prefetto-filippo-iannone-parla-della-figura-del-vescovo-della-scelta-dei-candidati-delle-sfide-del-ministero-episcopale/