Fr. Kolvenbach could remain at head of JESUITS

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Fr. Kolvenbach could remain at head of Jesuits

Pope Benedict desires Jesuit appointment remain a lifetime one

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=8714


Vatican City, Feb 23, 2007 / 11:15 am (CNA).- Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, SJ, who was previously expected to step down as Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) after their General Congregation scheduled for January 5, 2008, could now remain the Jesuit superior after Pope Benedict XVI expressed his opinion.

Fr. Kovenbach, officially convoked the 35th General Congregation with a written communicaton dated February 2nd 2006. In his letter the Jesuit superior announced that the Jesuit summit would elect a new Superior General.

Now however, less than a month before the fourteen members of the "Coetus Praevius" meet in Rome on March 15th to study and organize the approximately 350 proposals sent by the Provincial Congregations in preparation for the Congregation, Fr. Kolvenbach has sent a letter to the world’s Jesuit superiors communicating Pope Benedict's wish that the Jesuit Superior General's term remain a lifetime one, but with "provisions for stepping down for serious reasons."

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FULL ARTICLE AT:http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=103629

Code: ZE07022620

Date: 2007-02-26

Jesuits "Certain" About Superior's Exit in '08

General Congregation Likely to OK His Resignation

ROME, FEB. 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A spokesman for the Society of Jesus said it is "morally certain" that the upcoming general congregation will formally approve Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach's request to step down as superior general.

Father Kolvenbach received Benedict XVI's approval for his proposed resignation next year, though the Jesuit Constitution stipulates that the superior-general position is for life.

The Dutch-born Father Kolvenbach cited his age -- he will turn 80 in 2008 -- and his 25-year tenure as the superior of the Jesuits as reasons for his resignation.

In the wake of recent media reports, Father José de Vera, director of the Jesuits' information office, clarified the situation.

"A few months ago Father Kolvenbach obtained the Pope's permission to present his resignation," Father de Vera explained in a statement sent to ZENIT. "He will do so in the next general congregation which he has convoked for January 2008."