Bishop Alain Harel paid a farewell courtesy call on President Patrick Herminie at State House on Wednesday. He is preparing to retire from active episcopal ministry.
The visit followed the acceptance by Pope Francis of Bishop Harel’s resignation. It also comes amid a leadership transition within the Diocese of Port Victoria. Bishop Harel has served the diocese since 2020.
Speaking after the meeting, Bishop Harel said the President had invited him to discuss national issues. He said they also discussed the role of the Catholic Church in society.
“The President wanted to meet with me, and I responded to his invitation,” Bishop Harel said. “We spoke about the country and about the role of the Catholic Church in society for the common good.”
He added that discussions also focused on the Church’s continued participation in national development.
“We spoke about our desire as a Church to strengthen our contribution to the integrated development of the country, again for the common good,” he said.
Bishop Harel explained that his resignation follows Catholic canon law. He said the age of 75 is the point at which diocesan bishops submit their resignation.
“In Catholic canon law, the age of 75 is a significant milestone regarding the resignation of senior clergy from administrative offices, including diocesan bishops,” he said. “I have done so, and the resignation has been accepted.”
He outlined the process now underway to appoint a new bishop for the Diocese of Port Victoria.
“There are procedures in place to name a new bishop,” Bishop Harel said. “The dossiers of potential candidates are being reviewed in Rome. A commission is examining the proposed names, and the Pope will make the final decision.”
He said he could not give a timeline for the appointment.
“I cannot give a definite date, as it does not depend on me,” he said. “All will be made official in due time.”
Bishop Harel also said the Church would put interim arrangements in place until a new bishop is appointed. He added that a Seychellois could be among those considered.