HIS-Press-Service, 1982 (7. évfolyam, 22-24. szám)

1982-04-01 / 23. szám

S'- Press-Service--------Special Topic: Religion and Church in Hungary

_______________ No. 23- Vienna, April 1982

THE FACTS

New Episcopal Appointments in Hungary

The long-expected designation of new bishops for Hungary!s Church was officially announced in Rome and in Budapest on 10 April 1982: '

Dr. Gyula SZAKOS, the present auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Székesfehérvár, will become its diocesan bishop in place of Imre Kisberk (76 years old) who has retired.

Bishop Dr. László PASKAI, the present diocesan bishop of Veszprém, will assist the 81-year-old diocesan bishop of Kalocsa, Dr. József Ijjas, as Archepiscopal Coadjutor with the right of succession.

The Professor of Theology, Dr. József SZENDI, who was appointed Titular Bishop of Pudentiana, will become the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Veszprém ad nutum Sanctae Sedis.

Dr. Gellert BELON, who was appointed bishop in 1959 but was never consecrated,

will become Auxiliary Bishop of Pécs.

/

Dr. György POKA. the rector of the Theological College in Győr was appointed Titular Bishop of Cubda. He will become the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Szombathely.

T..H E BACKGROUND

The Archdiocese of Kalocsa is, formally speaking, the country's second most important diocese. Should the archepiscopal see of Esztergom become vacant, for example, the functions of the head of the Bishops Conference are carried out by the Archbishop of Kalocsa. Kalocsa is actually, however, only a relatively small rump diocese. In accordance with existing regulations, the presently 81-year-old Archbishop Ijjas already submitted his resignation upon reaching the established retirement age in 1976. Taking into consideration the Archbishop's personal wishes, however, Rome has consistently delayed appointing a new archbishop. József Ijjas continues to remain Archbishop of Kalocsa, though he will be