Again relying on the new from Catholic World News, I would like to introduce the new prefect for the Congregation of Clergy, His Eminence, Cardinal Claudio Hummes. Cardinal Hummes, who is 72 years old, is among the most prominent prelates in Latin America, and his name was included on most lists of papabile before the conclave of 2005.
Generally regarded as a liberal, with a strong commitment to social-justice issues, the Brazilian cardinal was supportive of Latin American theologians who advanced the cause of liberation theology in the 1970s and 1980s. His appointment to a leadership position at the Vatican suggests that Pope Benedict XVI-- a leading critic of liberation theology-- is anxious to hear divergent viewpoints expressed within the Roman Curia.
The Congregation for Clergy, which traces its origins back to the Council of Trent, was established in its current form by Pope Paul VI in 1967. The main function of the dicastery is to offer pastoral support for the world's 400,000 Catholic priests.
