Pope extends term of Vidal

Pope Benedict XVI has rejected the resignation of Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, paving the way for the 75- year- old prelate's continued stay as archbishop of Cebu. Vidal himself announced the pope's decision in a Mass he celebrated yesterday afternoon at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

In a brief interview with reporters after the Mass, Vidal showed a letter from Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Antonio Franco dated March 6, 2006 in which he was informed of the extension of his duties as archbishop of Cebu.

As is customary, Vidal resigned as arcbhishop of Cebu on turning 75 last February 6. He has been Cebu archbishop for the last 25 years.

Franco, in his letter to Vidal, said that the pope wanted the Marinduque native to stay on as Cebu archbishop.

Franco was informed of the papal decision by Giovanni Batida Cardinal Rey, prefect of the Congregation of Bishops in the Vatican.

" I wish to inform you that Giovanni Batida Cardinal Rey, the prefect for the Congregation of Bishops, has told me that the Holy Father has received your letter and is inviting you to continue in your ministry," the letter stated.

The letter went on to say that only after the Holy Father decides to appoint a new archbishop will Vidal be replaced.

The communication did not say how long the pope wants Vidal to stay on as archbishop of Cebu. Churchgoers broke into applause when Bishop Julito Cortez read the letter announcing the extension of Vidal's term as archbishop.

Among those who attended the 50th sacerdotal anniversary of Vidal's priesthood was Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, who was himself elevated to cardinal only last month by the Pope.

There are only three living Filipino cardinals. Aside from Vidal and Rosales, the other living Filipino cardinal is Jose Sanchez, who is assigned at the Vatican. The only two other Filipino cardinals who have since died were Julio Rosales and Jaime Sin.

Also present at the Mass was Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Bishop Angel Lagdameo.

Vidal said he was happy to continue serving the Cebuanos and promised to stay on for as long as the pope wants him to.

"I hope the Lord will grant me some more years to serve the people. I am so glad the pope has extended my service because the Cebuanos are so dear to me," he said.

But with Vidal's extended duties comes questions regarding his health. He has already undergone five heart bypass operations. He has also been in hospital the past year for pneumonia and a cataract removal operation.

Cardinal Vidal was ordained on March 17, 1956 and 15 years later he was elected bishop. Vidal earned his degree in Theology from San Carlos Seminary in Makati City after graduating with a degree of bachelor of arts in philosophy from St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Lipa City in Batangas. Vidal has led the Cebu archdiocese since September 1982.

Vidal was president of CBCP from 1986 to 1987 and chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Clergy in 1989. From 1985 to 1994, he was convener of the standing committee of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

It was during his term as Cebu Archbishop that Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals on May 25, 1985.