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      (AP)  Roman Catholics here are speculating over a
possible successor for Archbishop Harry Flynn of St.
Paul-Minneapolis, who will reach the common retirement age of 75 in
less than two years.
 
     Flynn turned 73 last month and at that age, the Vatican could
appoint a coadjutor bishop who works with the current leader until
taking over.

      With talks about Flynn's successor appearing on the Web and
e-mail lists, Rev. Joseph Johnson told the St. Paul Pioneer Press
that only a select few know who'll replace Flynn or when the
announcement will be made.

      The appointment comes directly from the Pope.

      "If he invites advice or background information on certain
candidates, all of that is seen as direct collaboration with the
Holy Father and held to utmost confidentiality," said Johnson,
assistant chancellor for the archdiocese.

      "The pain of violating that trust is actually
excommunication."

      Flynn hasn't commented on the speculation and archdiocese
spokesman Dennis McGrath said it's all rumors until formally
announced.

      "I can very safely say that anybody circulating rumors is off
base," Johnson said. "If they guess enough names, they might
guess correctly in the long run."

      Flynn came to the Twin Cities from Louisiana as a coadjutor to
former Archbishop John Roach in 1994, replacing him in 1996.

      Flynn leads 750,000 Twin Cities-area Catholics in 222 parishes
in 12 counties. As an archbishop, he also governs a province, or
group of dioceses. Flynn heads a province that includes 10 dioceses
in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

      When considering the appointment of a U.S. bishop, the
diplomatic representative in Washington, D.C., gathers background
on candidates and sends it to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.

      There, the office sets up a review by a committee of cardinals,
who then make recommendations to the pope.

      "What is very clear is that the Vatican moves carefully and
confidentially in any sort of assignment of bishops," Johnson
said. "Word won't just be leaking out there on the street."

Gallery

Archbishop Harry Flynn recalls his years in Louisiana

Roman Catholics here are speculating over a
possible successor for Archbishop Harry Flynn of St.
Paul-Minneapolis, who will reach the common retirement age of 75 in
less than two years.


Official dismisses speculation of archbishop's successor

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