Cardinal Levada Set to Retire With Longtime Intimate and San Francisco Colleague [Archbishop Niederauer]
Tancred
Monday, July 2, 2012
eponymousflower.blogspot.com/2012/07/cardinal-levada-set-to-retire-with.html
Edit: many elderly retirees think of spending their golden years with a loved one. Now that Cardinal Levada, a controversial figure in San Francisco, is about to retire. Perhaps it can be said that this appointment, at least, is a zero sum game? On the other hand, it’s interesting, if not encouraging, to note where he’ll be spending at least some of his time as he retires, and with whom. Whispers in the Loggia has noted that the Prince of the Church will share a house in Long Beach. The quote from Robert Brown which +Levada read at his brother prelate’s golden jubilee was particularly touching.
Speaking of retirement, while the new prefect-emeritus has long been understood as keen to return to the West Coast, Levada will remain a member of several key Curial offices until his 80th birthday in June 2016.[Ugh]
For many years, the cardinal has owned a condo in his hometown of Long Beach, sharing the getaway with his closest friend of nearly 60 years and successor in San Francisco, Archbishop George Niederauer, whose own transition from office is likewise expected in short order.
Referring to the nearing end of their ministries in his homily at the San Fran Mass marking Niederauer’s golden jubilee of priesthood in late April, Levada quoted the poet Robert Browning: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!’”
Having ordained this year’s class of priests and transitional deacons just yesterday in his now-former charge, the incoming prefect will take up residence in Rome in time for the Curia’s mid-September return from the traditional summer recess. Müller was scheduled to hold a press conference on his appointment as the announcement was made in Rome.