Wilmington in the Wings: First See Prelate Headed for First State

Fresh off the heels of the July 4th weekend, the long-awaited handover of the church's top post in the nation's First State is widely expected to take place.(As soon as) Monday, Pope Benedict is expected to name Auxiliary Bishop W. Francis Malooly of Baltimore to head Delaware's statewide diocese of Wilmington. The 64-year old prelate would succeed Bishop Michael Saltarelli, who reached the retirement age of 75 in early January.Spokesmen for the Wilmington and Baltimore churches declined comment on the report.With Malooly's name having topped the buzzmill since before the succession process began, few observers will see the choice as a surprise -- to many, the only question has been the timing. The anticipated nod -- which, as always, remains unofficial until its publication by the Holy See -- would place the growing local... [read full story]