NEW JERSEY
CBS New York
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) – The pope has named a coadjutor bishop to help out and eventually take over for the archbishop of Newark who has faced harsh criticism for his handling of a sexually abusive priest.
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Bernard A. Hebda of Michigan to serve alongside current Archbishop John Myers.
Hebda will also succeed Myers when he vacates the office. Myers is 72 years old; bishops must submit their resignations when they turn 75.
Coadjutor bishops are often named for large archdioceses. They take over automatically when the incumbent retires or dies. Naming Hebda with three years to go before Myers retires could be a sign that Pope Francis believed Newark needed fresh leadership now.
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