Paul KeenanPope Francis has accepted the early resignation of Archbishop Elias Chacour
Pope Francis has accepted the early resignation of Archbishop Elias Chacour, Archbishop of the Greek Melkite Archeparchy of Akka, Haifa, Nazareth and the Galilee. The archbishop will turn 75 this November 29, the mandatory age for retirement.
A Palestinian native, Elias Chacour was the first Israeli citizen to be ordained a Catholic bishop. A life-long advocate of non-violence and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, Archbishop Chacour was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Pope has named Archbishop Moussa El Hage, head of the Maronite Archeparchy of Haifa as apostolic administrator of the Melkite archdiocese until a replacement for Archbishop Chacour is named.