Pope Francis on Monday named Ozoria Acosta, 64, to replace Lopez, the Vatican said. The appointment on Monday of Francisco Ozoria Acosta as Santo Domingo's new archbishop brings to a close the almost four decades of the episcopate of Nicolas de Jesus Lopez, a period marked by substantial controversy. Ozoria Acosta will continue to head the eastern San Pedro de Macoris diocese until he take over the archbishop's duties in the capital, a transition scheduled for Sept. 4. In his presentation on Monday in Santo Domingo, the new archbishop expressed surprise at his selection and said that he will endeavor to provide continuity for the Church's local mission. The pontiff had accepted Lopez's resignation as archbishop in accord with Article 401/1 of the canonical code, which stipulates that nobody may serve as archbishop after age 75.

Source: Fox News July 04, 2016 20:03 UTC