Archbishop of San Juan submitted resignation after turning 75

By THE STAR STAFF

The Archbishop of San Juan, Roberto Octavio González Nieves, submitted his resignation in June, after turning 75, as required by canon law.

“What happens is that all bishops in the world, when they turn 75, by canon law, must submit their resignation to the Pope,” said the archbishop’s press officer, Samuel Soto Alonzo, in a written statement to CyberNews. “The archbishop turned 75 last June 2, and he submitted it. It is up to the Pope to determine when he will accept it. The Pope has not yet accepted it.”

“A diocesan bishop who has reached seventy-five years of age is requested to present his resignation from his office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will make a decision taking into account all the circumstances,” states Article 401 of the Code of Canon Law.

González Nieves has served as Archbishop of San Juan for the past 26 years and was ordained as a priest 48 years ago.

In May 2024, he celebrated his 25th anniversary leading the influential Archdiocese of San Juan.