The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-10-05
BISHOP KEANE
HAS RESIGNED
No Longer at The Head Of the Great
Catholic University.
RETIRES AT THE POPE'S REQUEST
Will BE Elevated to the Rank of
Archbishop in Recognition Of Meri-
tOriOus ServiCe..WelcOm Re.
lease from Duties Beyond His
Strength.

Washington. Oct. 4.--Bishop John J.
keane, rector of the Catholic llniver-
sity of America, located here, has re-
signed at the request of Pope Leo XIII.
The news, which became public here
today, Is an unauthorized and some
what Inaccurate form, was entirely un-
expected, and caused much comment in
Catholic circles.
Bishop Keane this afternoon made
public the official correspondence so
that the facts should be properly un-
derstOod. He accompanied it by the
following statement:
since my withdrawal from the rec
torship of the Catholic university of
America will probably be regarded by
a considerable portion of the American
public as a matter of some interest to
them, and since unauthorized state
ments are apt to he misleading. ! deem
it my duty TO state BRIEFLY and clearly
the facts of the case.
"On September rs | received through
his eminence Cardinal Gibbons letter
from our holy father Leo XIII of which
the following is a translation:
THE POPE'S LETTER.
To Our Venerable Brother, John Joseph
Keane. Bishop of Ajasso:
Venerable brother, health and apostolic
benediction. 1t Is customary that they
who are appointed to preside over Catho-
lie universities should not hold the office
in perpetuity. This custom has grown up
through wise reasons,and the Roman pom
tiffs have ever been careful that II should
be adhered to. Since, therefore, venerable
brother, you have now presided for several
years over the university at Washington,
in the first establishment and subsequent
development of which you have shown
laudable zeal and dillgency, it has seemed
best that the above mentioned custom
should not be departed from. and that
another whose name Is to be proposed to
us by the bishops, should be appointed to
succeed you in this honorable position.
In order, however, that, in your resiSning
this office, due regard may be had to your
person and your dignity, were it deter
mined to elevate you to the rank of arch
bishop.
Being solicitous for your future well
fare, we leave it to your own free choice
either to remain In your own country, or,
If you prefer II, to come to Rome. II you
choose the former we will destine for you
some archepiscopal see. by vote of the
bishops of the United States. If you pre-
fer the latter. We shall welcome you most
lovingly. and will place you among the
consultore of the congregation of studies
and the congregation of the propaganda.
in both OF which you could do much for
the interests OF religion In the United
States. In this latter case We would also
assign you suitable revenue for your
Confidently trusting, venerable brother.
that you will accept this our administra-
tive act with heary good will, we most
lovingly bestOw upon you the apostolic
benediC ton. a pledge of our paternal
affection.
Given at Rome, from st. Peters. this
18th day of September 1895. in the nine
t-enth year of our pontificate.
(SignedD Leo XIII, Pope.
The next day ! mailed to the holy
father a reply. of which the following
is a translation:
The Catholic University of America.
Washington, Sept -.
Most Holy Father: His eminence. Car
dinal Gibbons. yesterday handed me the
letter in which your holiness has made
known to me that my administration OF
this university now comes 10 an end and
that another rector is to be appointed.
Without moment of hesitation. ] ac-
cept the will Of your holiness in the matter
az manifestation of providence of God.
and from the instant | resign into the
hands of his eminence, the chancellor, the
office of rector with all rights thereto at
taching.
Thanking your holiness for the freedom
of choice granted me, | choose to re-
main in my own country, and, moreover,
without any official position whatsoever,
in tranquility and peace
Your holiness most humble son In Christ.
(SigneD John j. Keane.
Bishop of Ajasso.