Cardinal Murphy O'Connor appointed to Congregations of Bishops and Evangelisaion of Peoples

Pope Benedict has appointed Cardinal Murphy O'Connor to the Congregation of Bishops and the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. According to the press release from the Catholic Communications Network, he will have an important role in selecting Bishops for the many dioceses around the world.

In his new role, Cardinal Cormac will be directly involved in the appointment of Bishops for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, as well for countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.

The press release says that these appointments illustrate the enormous esteem in which the Holy Father holds the Cardinal.

In a mark of extraordinary esteem, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor to two important Vatican congregations that select bishops for most dioceses of the Latin-rite Catholic Church worldwide.

and

It is highly unusual for the pope to appoint a retired bishop or cardinal to such positions for the first time. That Pope Benedict has decided to name Cardinal Cormac to these two important posts is an indicator of the great respect and high esteem which he enjoys with both the pope and senior Vatican officials.

and

Pope Benedict has given him a role of great importance which will have an impact on the future of the Universal Church in many lands. It also takes him deep inside the corridors of power in the Vatican.

The Cardinal will hold these posts until he reaches his 80th birthday on 24th August 2012, unless the Holy Father's esteem is such that he asks him to remain in office.