Valerio Lazzeri (59)
Bishop of the diocese of Lugano resigns with immediate effect
The 59-year-old bishop Valerio Lazzeri, who works for the diocese of Lugano, resigns with immediate effect. The Swiss Bishops’ Conference regrets the resignation, as announced on Monday.
Lazzeri had been in the service of church life in Switzerland for nine years. He was particularly involved in theological research and training.
In the last two years he has felt a great inner tiredness. Lazzeri admitted to the media that the stress and great tension that the office of bishop entails has gotten to him.
When he took office, he wholeheartedly aspired to the office of bishop. However, after much deliberation, he decided, for the good of the diocese, to place the mandate entrusted to him back in the hands of the Holy Father.
He asks forgiveness for his shortcomings and omissions, quotes Ticino Radio and Television (RSI) as saying the outgoing bishop. He will remain loyal to Ticino, but withdraw.
Pope Francis has accepted Lazzari’s resignation and appointed Bishop Alain de Raemy, auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg, as apostolic administrator of the diocese of Lugano until a new bishop is elected.
(SDA)