Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Salvatore R. Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. Bishop John S. Bonnici, currently an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of New York, was named as Bishop Matano's successor. The Vatican announced the resignation and appointment on January 7, 2026. Bishop Matano had headed the Rochester diocese since November 2013 and submitted his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. The leadership change follows the recent closure of the Diocese of Rochester's bankruptcy case, which established a $256.35 million settlement fund for abuse survivors.
about 2 months ago
Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Salvatore R. Matano, 79, from the Diocese of Rochester, New York, and appointed New York Auxiliary Bishop John S. Bonnici, 60, as his successor.1 2 4
The announcement was made on January 7, 2026, by the Vatican and publicized in Washington by Cardinal Christophe Pierre.2
Bishop Bonnici was born February 17, 1965, in New York to John C. Bonnici and Gertrude Rilling.1 2
He holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and philosophy from St. John’s University (1987), a licentiate from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Rome (1992), and a doctorate from its Washington branch (1995).1 2 4
Ordained for New York in 1991, he taught at St. Joseph’s Seminary (1994-2013), led the Family Life/Respect Life Office (1996-2002), and served as pastor in Bronx, Chester, and Larchmont parishes.2
Appointed auxiliary bishop of New York in 2022, Bonnici has written on marriage, sexuality, and friendship, co-authoring books like Partners in Life and Love.2
He serves on the Aid to the Church in Need board.2
Bishop Matano, ordained in Providence, led Rochester since 2013 after heading Burlington, Vermont (bishop since 2005).2
He submitted his resignation at age 75 in 2021, per canon law.2
In 2019, he requested delaying Venerable Fulton Sheen’s beatification amid New York clergy abuse investigations; no accusations against Sheen emerged.1 2
The Diocese of Rochester serves about 306,000 Catholics in upstate New York.1 4
Its bankruptcy case closed four months prior, establishing a $256.35 million fund for abuse survivors.2
Matano apologized for the abuse scandal, expressing hope for healing and restored faith.2
Bonnici succeeds amid post-bankruptcy recovery and focuses on family and pro-life issues from his New York roles.2
The move shifts leadership from Matano’s long tenure, marked by legal challenges, to Bonnici’s expertise in marriage and theology.1 2
Regulation of episcopal retirement amid abuse settlement cases
Episcopal retirement in the Catholic Church is governed by a framework emphasizing voluntary resignation prompted by age, health, or grave causes, as outlined in the 1983 Code of Canon Law and prior conciliar documents. This system balances the lifelong nature of the episcopal ministry with pastoral needs, while in cases involving sexual abuse settlements, bishops face heightened accountability, including potential removal for negligence rather than standard retirement. Recent papal norms and interventions underscore prevention and justice, ensuring protection of minors amid scandal.
The cornerstone of episcopal retirement is Canon 401 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which states: "A diocesan bishop who has completed the seventy-fifth year of age is requested to present his resignation from office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will make provision after he has examined all the circumstances." Additionally, "A diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office." The language of "request" and "earnestly requested" reflects a moral obligation rather than an automatic cessation of office, allowing the Pope discretion based on circumstances.
This provision echoes Christus Dominus (1965) from Vatican II, which urges: "diocesan bishops and others regarded in law as their equals, who have become less capable of fulfilling their duties properly because of the increasing burden of age or some other serious reason, are earnestly requested to offer their resignation from office either at their own initiative or upon the invitation of the competent authority." If accepted, provision is made for the bishop's support and rights. Post-resignation, bishops retain the title of emeritus and may reside in their diocese, with episcopal conferences ensuring "suitable and decent support."
These norms highlight a tension noted in theological reflections: while bishops share in the "one single episcopal ministry" with the Pope (Lumen Gentium §22), canon law imposes age-based resignation on diocesan bishops absent a parallel requirement for the Roman Pontiff. This underscores bishops' role as "prelates of the people whom they govern," deriving authority directly from Christ, not mere subordination.
Pope Francis formalized these principles in 2018 norms "Governing the Resignation, for Reasons of Age, of Holders of Certain Offices Subject to Papal Appointment." Article 1 invites diocesan, eparchial, coadjutor, auxiliary bishops, and equivalents to present resignation upon reaching 75. Article 2 extends this to non-Cardinal Dicastery Heads and other curial bishops, who "must present their resignation" without automatic cession of office. These updates promote orderly transitions, aligning with Vatican II's vision of bishops as capable shepherds.
Beyond age, "grave causes" enable resignation requests, explicitly including negligence in handling sexual abuse. Pope Francis's 2016 As a Loving Mother clarifies that "among the aforesaid 'grave reasons' is the negligence of a Bishop in the exercise of his office, and in particular in relation to cases of sexual abuse inflicted on minors and vulnerable adults." Removal from office follows Canon 193 §1 (CIC), with procedures outlined for such cases linked to Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela. This duty falls especially on pastors to protect the vulnerable, as Christ entrusted to the Church.
The 2011 CDF Circular Letter reinforces bishops' primary responsibility: they must investigate allegations, offer assistance to victims, cooperate with civil authorities, and limit ministry if needed, without substituting consultative bodies for their potestas regiminis. Return to public ministry is excluded if it risks minors or causes scandal. Vos estis lux mundi (2019, updated 2023) mandates procedures to combat abuse, demanding "concrete and effective actions" from bishops as successors of the Apostles.
In abuse settlement contexts—often involving diocesan finances and liability—bishops navigate canon law alongside civil obligations. USCCB advocacy notes that canonical structures protect ecclesiastical autonomy, as in bankruptcy cases where dioceses settle claims while upholding hierarchical governance. Negligence can precipitate not mere retirement but removal, distinct from emeritus status.
Theologically, episcopal ministry mirrors Christ's cross, demanding lifelong commitment unless obedience to the Good Shepherd prompts otherwise. Pope Francis urged Chilean bishops in 2018 to repair abuse damages through prophetic service. Under Pope Leo XIV, recent addresses emphasize safeguarding dignity: a 2025 message to a protection meeting calls for truth, humility, and cultures of trust where "justice is lived with mercy." His words to Italian bishops in Assisi (2025) and Rimini meeting invoke communal obedience to the Holy Spirit amid challenges.
Regulation of episcopal retirement prioritizes pastoral efficacy through age-75 requests and grave-cause provisions, refined by papal norms, while abuse settlements heighten scrutiny via removal for negligence. This framework fosters accountability, victim protection, and credible witness, urging bishops to emulate Christ's servanthood. The Church continues evolving these practices, balancing tradition with urgent justice.