Bishop Rey: Stop of consecration caused incomprehension

The Bishop of Fréjus-Toulon, Dominique Rey, has described the ban on ordinations imposed by the Vatican a year and a half ago as a "great trial" for candidates for the priesthood. "In the eyes of many believers, this was a form of injustice and pressure that was met with great incomprehension," said the bishop in an interview with the French daily newspaper "Le Figaro " (Tuesday). He was therefore pleased that the Pope had accepted his proposal to appoint a coadjutor to assist him. "I have never thought of giving up my episcopal office, which I have held for 23 years, unless the Pope had expressly asked me to do so."

Rey had suggested to the Roman authorities that they appoint a coadjutor bishop to work with him "to make up for certain shortcomings and correct certain errors of judgement", he said. "The Pope's decision seems to me to be positive for the good of the diocese, as it ensures continuity and offers a good opportunity to improve governance." The new coadjutor François Touvet, together with Rey and the clerical dicastery, is to ensure in the coming months that the diocese can resume the priestly ordinations that were stopped a year and a half ago. Regarding the appointment of the coadjutor, the acting bishop said that he had already become familiar with Touvet's pastoral qualities. "He has made it clear to me that we will work together fraternally in the service and for the good of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon," Rey continued.

As the Vatican Press Office announced on Tuesday, Pope Francis appointed François Touvet as Bishop Coadjutor of Fréjus-Toulon. He will be responsible for the leadership of the clergy, the administration and training of candidates for the priesthood and the supervision of religious orders and communities. The diocese of Fréjus-Toulon has been criticised by the Vatican for several years. An unusually high number of priestly ordinations and dubious spiritual communities from the charismatic and traditionalist milieu, which were accused of sect-like behaviour, brought the diocese in south-eastern France into Rome's sights. Two apostolic visitations in 2022 and 2023 have sought solutions. (mtr)