An Erie native has been appointed to a new role within the Catholic Church.
Bishop Edward Lohse, who currently serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, has been appointed by Pope Leo XVI to serve on the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest court in the Catholic Church.
The appointment places Bishop Lohse among a panel of bishops and priests from around the world who review cases involving canon law. “It was not even in my farthest imagination. I am very honored. I’m flattered and humbled by it,” Lohse said.
Bishop of Lawrence Persico said Lohse’s expertise in canon law made him a strong candidate for the five-year appointment. “It’s sort of like the Supreme Court in the Church,” Bishop Persico said. “One of the reasons he was appointed was for his competence in canon law.”
The tribunal is made up of fifteen bishops and priests who are recognized for their knowledge and experience in canon law. Members receive case materials throughout the year and travel to Rome several times annually to review cases and issue decisions…