Joseph Francis Martino
Encyclopedia
Joseph Francis Martino (born May 1, 1946) is an American
prelate
of the Roman Catholic Church
and the Retired Bishop of Scranton
. He served as bishop of Scranton until his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI
on 31 August 2009.
, to Joseph F. Martino, Sr., and his wife Eleanor Devlin. He has a sister, Eleanor. He studied at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School; St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
in Wynnewood
; and the Pontifical Gregorian University
in Rome
, from where he obtained his doctorate
in ecclesiastical history
and licentiate in sacred theology
. Martino was ordained
to the priesthood
by Bishop James Aloysius Hickey on December 18, 1970, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
He worked as an assistant pastor
in Philadelphia (1971–1975, 1987), Penndel
(1975–1977), and Jenkintown
(summers of 1977-1981). He taught at Bishop Shanahan High School
in West Chester
from 1982 to 1984, and wrote the official document requesting the beatification
of Katharine Drexel
, who was later canonized
in 2000.
From 1986 to 1992, Father Martino served as Dean
of Formation in the Theology
Division and assistant professor
of Church History at his alma mater
of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; during his tenure there he was raised to the rank of an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness
in 1991. He was Director of the Archdiocesan
Office for Ecumenical
and Interreligious
Affairs (1990–1993, 1997–2003) and for Renewal of Pastoral Life (1992–1997).
of Philadelphia
and Titular Bishop
of Cellae in Mauretania by Pope John Paul II
. He was consecrated on the following March 11 by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, with Archbishop Francis B. Schulte
and Bishop Edward Peter Cullen
serving as co-consecrators
, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
on July 5, 2003, and was formally installed
on the following October 1 at St. Peter's Cathedral
.
In January 2007, Bishop Martino decided to close high schools. They included Bishop O'Reilly, Seton Catholic, Bishop Hafey, Bishop Hoban, Bishop O'Hara and Bishop Hannan, along with several grade schools. In total he closed about 30 schools.
In January 2009, Martino announced that, due to a priest shortage
and diminishing financial resources, the Diocese of Scranton
would either close or consolidate almost half its 209 parishes
.
He resigned from his office as Bishop of Scranton in early June, 2009, due to poor health. He was suffering from "insomnia and crippling physical fatigue." He resignation was accepted by the Pope
on August 31, 2009.
, Martino issued a pastoral letter
that declared "public officials who are Catholic and who persist in public support for abortion
...should not partake in or be admitted to the sacrament of Holy Communion." This was particularly controversial since the Democratic
vice presidential
candidate, Sen.
Joe Biden
, is a native of Scranton
; the Bishop confirmed that Biden would be refused Communion should he tour the region.
In late October, he made an unexpected appearance at a Catholic political forum in Honesdale, PA, where he stated, "No USCCB document is relevant in this diocese
...There is one teacher in this diocese, and these points are not debatable."
Following Obama's inauguration, Martino accused Sen. Bob Casey
(D-PA), a Catholic who opposes abortion
, of "cooperating with...evil" by supporting Obama's repeal of the Mexico City Policy
, which prohibited federal funding for foreign family planning
aid groups who offer abortion services. He declared that Casey's opposition to the Mexico City Policy "will mean the deaths of thousands of unborn children." Casey contended that funding these groups would reduce the number of abortions by promoting contraception and other methods of avoiding unintended pregnancies, to which Martino said, "I remind you that it is never permissible to use immoral means (e.g., artificial contraception) to achieve a good end."
Martino has explained his pro-life statements by saying, "I speak so forcefully about the right to life—the sanctity of life—from its beginning at conception to natural death, [so] that we not make ourselves God, the way Nazi Germany
did."
, a best-selling author and gay rights
advocate, speak at its annual dinner and as part of Black History Month
. The Bishop described Boykin's views as "disturbingly opposed" and "antithetical" to Catholic teaching
, and stated that "Misericordia University in this instance is seriously failing in maintaining its Catholic identity."
In response to Martino's comments, Misericordia University insisted that it "is committed deeply to its Catholic mission. Inseparable from that mission is our identity as an academic institution where ideas and positions are explored critically and freely." The university also noted that Boykin’s speech was not meant to be a forum for advocacy on a particular issue.
Earlier that month Martino
condemned a production of the Eve Ensler
play The Vagina Monologues
and had the diocese threaten the jobs of two Diocean employees if they were involved in the show. A high school student at Diocese operated Holy Redeemer High School
was also threatened with expulsion if she participated.
organizations that he would close St. Peter’s Cathedral during Saint Patrick's Day
celebrations if the groups featured pro-choice
elected officials
at their annual events. Martino, "determined to prevent a scandal," stated that such officials should not be "given parade positions or dais opportunities either to be recognized or to speak to the assembled participants," which would "honor pro-abortion officials" or make it appear that “the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in this honoring.”
in accordance with Canon 401 § 2 of the Latin Rite Code of Canon Law, which states that: "A diocesan Bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfilment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office." He sent his letter of resignation to the Congregation for Bishops
in the middle of June 2009, and learned that Pope Benedict XVI
accepted the resignation at the end of July. On the same day the resignation of his Auxiliary Bishop
John M. Dougherty
, who resigned because he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, was also accepted. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia
, was named to assume the powers of the Apostolic Administrator
(sede vacante
) of the Diocese of Scranton
on an interim basis until a successor to Bishop Martino was appointed. Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera
was named as Rigali's Delegate to run the day-to-day operations of the Diocese
, and on February 23, 2010, Bambera was appointed the Bishop-elect of Scranton, succeeding Martino.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
prelate
Prelate
A prelate is a high-ranking member of the clergy who is an ordinary or who ranks in precedence with ordinaries. The word derives from the Latin prælatus, the past participle of præferre, which means "carry before", "be set above or over" or "prefer"; hence, a prelate is one set over others.-Related...
of the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
and the Retired Bishop of Scranton
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the mother church, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States....
. He served as bishop of Scranton until his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
on 31 August 2009.
Early life and ministry
Joseph Francis Martino was born in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, to Joseph F. Martino, Sr., and his wife Eleanor Devlin. He has a sister, Eleanor. He studied at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School; St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is the seminary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Named for Charles Borromeo, it is located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania,...
in Wynnewood
Wynnewood
Wynnewood may mean:* Wynnewood * Wynnewood, Oklahoma* Wynnewood, Pennsylvania* Wynnewood , the largest existent log structure in Tennessee...
; and the Pontifical Gregorian University
Pontifical Gregorian University
The Pontifical Gregorian University is a pontifical university located in Rome, Italy.Heir of the Roman College founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola over 460 years ago, the Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits...
in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, from where he obtained his doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
in ecclesiastical history
History of Christianity
The history of Christianity concerns the Christian religion, its followers and the Church with its various denominations, from the first century to the present. Christianity was founded in the 1st century by the followers of Jesus of Nazareth who they believed to be the Christ or chosen one of God...
and licentiate in sacred theology
Licentiate of Sacred Theology
Licentiate of Sacred Theology is the title of the second cycle of studies of a Faculty of Theology offered by a pontifical universities or ecclesiastical faculties of sacred theology. An Ecclesiastical Faculty offers three cycles of study: Baccalaureate or fundamentals, Licentiate or specialized,...
. Martino was ordained
Holy Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
to the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
by Bishop James Aloysius Hickey on December 18, 1970, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
He worked as an assistant pastor
Curate
A curate is a person who is invested with the care or cure of souls of a parish. In this sense "curate" correctly means a parish priest but in English-speaking countries a curate is an assistant to the parish priest...
in Philadelphia (1971–1975, 1987), Penndel
Penndel, Pennsylvania
Penndel is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,328 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Penndel is located at ....
(1975–1977), and Jenkintown
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Jenkintown is a borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles north of downtown Philadelphia. "Jenkintown" is also used to describe a number of neighborhoods surrounding the borough, which also are known by names such as Rydal, Jenkintown Manor and Noble...
(summers of 1977-1981). He taught at Bishop Shanahan High School
Bishop Shanahan High School
Bishop Shanahan High School is located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Catholic school system. Named after Right Rev. John W. Shanahan, the third bishop of Harrisburg, the school is currently the only Archdiocesan High School in Chester County...
in West Chester
West Chester, Pennsylvania
The Borough of West Chester is the county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 18,461 at the 2010 census.Valley Forge, the Brandywine Battlefield, Longwood Gardens, Marsh Creek State Park, and other historical attractions are near West Chester...
from 1982 to 1984, and wrote the official document requesting the beatification
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
of Katharine Drexel
Katharine Drexel
Saint Katharine Drexel, S.B.S., was an American Religious Sister, heiress, philanthropist and educator, later canonized as a Roman Catholic saint.-Life and religious work:...
, who was later canonized
Canonization
Canonization is the act by which a Christian church declares a deceased person to be a saint, upon which declaration the person is included in the canon, or list, of recognized saints. Originally, individuals were recognized as saints without any formal process...
in 2000.
From 1986 to 1992, Father Martino served as Dean
Dean (education)
In academic administration, a dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, or over a specific area of concern, or both...
of Formation in the Theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
Division and assistant professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Church History at his alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; during his tenure there he was raised to the rank of an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness
Monsignor
Monsignor, pl. monsignori, is the form of address for those members of the clergy of the Catholic Church holding certain ecclesiastical honorific titles. Monsignor is the apocopic form of the Italian monsignore, from the French mon seigneur, meaning "my lord"...
in 1991. He was Director of the Archdiocesan
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in southeastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. It covers the City and County of Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The diocese was...
Office for Ecumenical
Catholic Church and ecumenism
The Catholic Church has been heavily involved in the ecumenical movement since the Second Vatican Council .- Before the Second Vatican Council :...
and Interreligious
Interfaith
The term interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels...
Affairs (1990–1993, 1997–2003) and for Renewal of Pastoral Life (1992–1997).
Episcopal career
On January 24, 1996, Martino was appointed Auxiliary BishopAuxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
of Philadelphia
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in southeastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. It covers the City and County of Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The diocese was...
and Titular Bishop
Titular bishop
A titular bishop in various churches is a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese.By definition a bishop is an "overseer" of a community of the faithful, so when a priest is ordained a bishop the tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is that he be ordained for a specific place...
of Cellae in Mauretania by Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
. He was consecrated on the following March 11 by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, with Archbishop Francis B. Schulte
Francis B. Schulte
Francis Bible Schulte is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston from 1985 to 1988, and Archbishop of New Orleans from 1989 to 2001.-Biography:...
and Bishop Edward Peter Cullen
Edward Peter Cullen
Edward Peter Cullen is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the third Bishop of Allentown. His resignation was accepted on 27 May 2009 by Pope Benedict. . At the same time, Pope Benedict named Msgr...
serving as co-consecrators
Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop...
, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Bishop of Scranton
He was later named the ninth Bishop of ScrantonRoman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the mother church, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States....
on July 5, 2003, and was formally installed
Enthronement
An enthronement is a ceremony of inauguration, involving a person—usually a monarch or religious leader—being formally seated for the first time upon their throne. This ritual is generally distinguished from a coronation because there is no crown or other regalia that is physically...
on the following October 1 at St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton
St. Peter's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral at 315 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. The entire St. Peter's Cathedral Complex is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.The church was built in...
.
In January 2007, Bishop Martino decided to close high schools. They included Bishop O'Reilly, Seton Catholic, Bishop Hafey, Bishop Hoban, Bishop O'Hara and Bishop Hannan, along with several grade schools. In total he closed about 30 schools.
In January 2009, Martino announced that, due to a priest shortage
Priest shortage
A priest shortage is the situation of a reduced number of priests in religions, especially the Roman Catholic Church.In 2008, 49,631 parishes in the world had no resident priest pastor. While the number of Catholics in the world nearly doubled between 1970 and 2008, growing from 653 Million to...
and diminishing financial resources, the Diocese of Scranton
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the mother church, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States....
would either close or consolidate almost half its 209 parishes
Parish (Catholic Church)
In the Roman Catholic Church, a parish is the lowest ecclesiastical geographical subdivision: from ecclesiastical province to diocese to deanery to parish.-Requirements:A parish needs two things under common law to become a parish...
.
He resigned from his office as Bishop of Scranton in early June, 2009, due to poor health. He was suffering from "insomnia and crippling physical fatigue." He resignation was accepted by the Pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
on August 31, 2009.
2008 presidential election
During the 2008 presidential electionUnited States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
, Martino issued a pastoral letter
Pastoral letter
A Pastoral letter, often called simply a pastoral, is an open letter addressed by a bishop to the clergy or laity of his diocese, or to both, containing either general admonition, instruction or consolation, or directions for behaviour in particular circumstances...
that declared "public officials who are Catholic and who persist in public support for abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
...should not partake in or be admitted to the sacrament of Holy Communion." This was particularly controversial since the Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
vice presidential
Vice President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
candidate, Sen.
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
Joe Biden
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr. is the 47th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama...
, is a native of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton is a city in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the largest principal city in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. Scranton had a population of 76,089 in 2010, according to the U.S...
; the Bishop confirmed that Biden would be refused Communion should he tour the region.
In late October, he made an unexpected appearance at a Catholic political forum in Honesdale, PA, where he stated, "No USCCB document is relevant in this diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
...There is one teacher in this diocese, and these points are not debatable."
Following Obama's inauguration, Martino accused Sen. Bob Casey
Bob Casey, Jr.
Robert Patrick "Bob" Casey, Jr. is the senior U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served as Pennsylvania Treasurer, and Pennsylvania Auditor General. He is the son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr..He is the first Democrat elected to a full term in...
(D-PA), a Catholic who opposes abortion
Pro-life
Opposition to the legalization of abortion is centered around the pro-life, or anti-abortion, movement, a social and political movement opposing elective abortion on moral grounds and supporting its legal prohibition or restriction...
, of "cooperating with...evil" by supporting Obama's repeal of the Mexico City Policy
Mexico City Policy
The Mexico City Policy, also known by critics as the Mexico City Gag Rule and the Global Gag Rule, was an intermittent United States government policy that required all non-governmental organizations that receive federal funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion services, as a...
, which prohibited federal funding for foreign family planning
Family planning
Family planning is the planning of when to have children, and the use of birth control and other techniques to implement such plans. Other techniques commonly used include sexuality education, prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, pre-conception counseling and...
aid groups who offer abortion services. He declared that Casey's opposition to the Mexico City Policy "will mean the deaths of thousands of unborn children." Casey contended that funding these groups would reduce the number of abortions by promoting contraception and other methods of avoiding unintended pregnancies, to which Martino said, "I remind you that it is never permissible to use immoral means (e.g., artificial contraception) to achieve a good end."
Martino has explained his pro-life statements by saying, "I speak so forcefully about the right to life—the sanctity of life—from its beginning at conception to natural death, [so] that we not make ourselves God, the way Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
did."
Keith Boykin appearance
On February 17, 2009, Martino expressed his "absolute disapproval" of Misericordia University having Keith BoykinKeith Boykin
Keith Boykin is an American broadcaster, author and commentator. He is editor of The Daily Voice, a CNBC contributor, and a co-host of the BET TV talk show My Two Cents.-Biography:...
, a best-selling author and gay rights
LGBT social movements
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender social movements share inter-related goals of social acceptance of sexual and gender minorities. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies have a long history of campaigning for what is generally called LGBT rights, also called gay...
advocate, speak at its annual dinner and as part of Black History Month
Black History Month
Black History Month is an observance of the history of the African diaspora in a number of countries outside of Africa. Since 1976, it is observed annually in the United States and Canada in February, while in the United Kingdom it is observed in October...
. The Bishop described Boykin's views as "disturbingly opposed" and "antithetical" to Catholic teaching
Homosexuality and Roman Catholicism
In Roman Catholicism, homosexual acts are considered contrary to natural law and sinful, while homosexual desires are considered "disordered" but not themselves sinful. The Catholic Church considers human sexual behavior to be sacred, when properly expressed...
, and stated that "Misericordia University in this instance is seriously failing in maintaining its Catholic identity."
In response to Martino's comments, Misericordia University insisted that it "is committed deeply to its Catholic mission. Inseparable from that mission is our identity as an academic institution where ideas and positions are explored critically and freely." The university also noted that Boykin’s speech was not meant to be a forum for advocacy on a particular issue.
Earlier that month Martino
Martino
The name Martino can refer to:*Martin of Tours , One of a dozen saints bearing the name Martino in Italian*Pope Martin V *Guido Martino , Italian Fascist*Donald Martino , American composer...
condemned a production of the Eve Ensler
Eve Ensler
Eve Ensler is an American playwright, performer, feminist and activist, best known for her play The Vagina Monologues.- Personal life :...
play The Vagina Monologues
The Vagina Monologues
The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play written by Eve Ensler which ran at the Off Broadway Westside Theatre after a limited run at AFRICA in 1996. Ensler originally starred in the production which was produced by David Stone, Nina Essman, Dan Markley, The Araca Group, Willa Shalit, Mike Skipper...
and had the diocese threaten the jobs of two Diocean employees if they were involved in the show. A high school student at Diocese operated Holy Redeemer High School
Holy Redeemer High School
Holy Redeemer High School is a high school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States. Holy Redeemer High School is located in Luzerne County.-Holy Redeemer:...
was also threatened with expulsion if she participated.
St. Patrick's Day celebrations
In late February 2009, Martino advised three local Irish AmericanIrish American
Irish Americans are citizens of the United States who can trace their ancestry to Ireland. A total of 36,278,332 Americans—estimated at 11.9% of the total population—reported Irish ancestry in the 2008 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau...
organizations that he would close St. Peter’s Cathedral during Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick , the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of :Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion , the Eastern...
celebrations if the groups featured pro-choice
Pro-choice
Support for the legalization of abortion is centered around the pro-choice movement, a sociopolitical movement supporting the ethical view that a woman should have the legal right to elective abortion, meaning the right to terminate her pregnancy....
elected officials
Official
An official is someone who holds an office in an organization or government and participates in the exercise of authority .A government official or functionary is an official who is involved in public...
at their annual events. Martino, "determined to prevent a scandal," stated that such officials should not be "given parade positions or dais opportunities either to be recognized or to speak to the assembled participants," which would "honor pro-abortion officials" or make it appear that “the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in this honoring.”
Resignation
Bishop Martino formally resigned from the office of bishop of Scranton in early June, 2009in accordance with Canon 401 § 2 of the Latin Rite Code of Canon Law, which states that: "A diocesan Bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfilment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office." He sent his letter of resignation to the Congregation for Bishops
Congregation for Bishops
The Congregation for Bishops is the congregation of the Roman Curia which oversees the selection of new bishops that are not in mission territories or those areas that come under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches who deal with the Eastern Catholics, pending papal...
in the middle of June 2009, and learned that Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
accepted the resignation at the end of July. On the same day the resignation of his Auxiliary Bishop
Auxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
John M. Dougherty
John M. Dougherty
John Martin Dougherty is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is currently the Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton when his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on August 31, 2009.-Early life:...
, who resigned because he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75, was also accepted. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in southeastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. It covers the City and County of Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. The diocese was...
, was named to assume the powers of the Apostolic Administrator
Apostolic Administrator
An apostolic administrator in the Roman Catholic Church is a prelate appointed by the Pope to serve as the ordinary for an apostolic administration...
(sede vacante
Sede vacante
Sede vacante is an expression, used in the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, that refers to the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particular church...
) of the Diocese of Scranton
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the mother church, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States....
on an interim basis until a successor to Bishop Martino was appointed. Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera
Joseph Bambera
Joseph Charles Bambera is an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the tenth and current Bishop of Scranton, serving since April 26, 2010.-Early life and education:...
was named as Rigali's Delegate to run the day-to-day operations of the Diocese
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the mother church, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States....
, and on February 23, 2010, Bambera was appointed the Bishop-elect of Scranton, succeeding Martino.