Synodality? Francis Disempowers the Canons of a Roman Basilica

Francis has "ended" the forced administration of the famous Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which began in December 2021, by making it permanent.

On 19 March he appointed the previous commissioner, Monsignor Rolandas Makrickas, coadjutor archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

This means that the Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, 78, has become a mere decorative figure.

All power is now concentrated in the hands of Monsignor Makrickas, not exactly a "synodal" way of handling things.

The canons over 80 years old (Francis himself is 87) are dismissed and deprived of their apartments.

The remaining canons lose all their rights in economic and administrative matters, but can keep their colourful robes.

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