Changes in the Curia

Rorate Caeli has today posted an article that includes some speculation that Archbishop Piero Marini may replace Cardinal Canizares Llovera as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Dicipline of the Sacaments.  This is just one of several appointments about which rumours are circulating.  See Rorate Caeli for all the details.

Archbishop Piero Marini (not to be confused with Mgr Guido Marini, the current pontifical master of ceremonies) first came to prominence as the personal secretary to Annibale Bugnini.  Later, he became pontifical master of ceremonies, a post that he held for most of the pontificate of John Paul II and the early years of Benedict XVI's pontificate.  Benedict replaced him as MC by his namesake, Guido Marini, and appointed him (Piero) head of the commission for pontifical eucharistic congreses.

This could  hardly be called a promotion, and it seemed to many that Marini was not happy with the move.  He spent some time writing a book which was critical of the liturgical reforms introduced by Pope Benedict and travelled the world publicising it.  In this, he was assisted by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, who arranged for the book to be launched in England from the throne room of Archbishop's House in Westminster.

It must be emphasised that all we have at present is speculation, although there is some evidence to support some of the other appointments that are being talked about.  However, the promotion of Archbishop Piero Marini to head the Congregationfor Divine Worship would be very controversial.  Marini has been associated with an extreme liberal position on liturgical form for so long that it would seem difficult for him to exercise the balanced view that is required from someone occupying such a high position.

Another reason why the appointment of Piero Marini would seem odd, is that he is already aged 71.  He would be expected to tender his resignation in less than four years of his taking office.  This is hardly enough time for anyone to develop a coherent strategy or make a personal impression, especially someone whose most productive years are over.