SANTO DOMINGO.- The Archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Freddy Bretón Martínez, presented his letter of resignation to Pope Francis as he approached the age limit of 75 years to perform these functions.
Bretón sent his letter through the Apostolic Nunciature by virtue of the fact that in October he reaches the age that Canon Law marks as mandatory to present resignation.
However, the Supreme Pontiff makes the resignation effective when he deems it convenient.
The Archbishop of Santiago is currently president of the Dominican Episcopate Conference, elected in July 2020 for a three-year term that ends in July 2023.
Monsignor Bretón was appointed Archbishop of Santiago in February 2015 by Pope Francis.
Before moving to Santiago, he served as Bishop of Baní, appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
Pope Francis must designate Monsignor Breton’s successor.
Canon law
— Canon 401
“The diocesan bishop who has reached the age of seventy-five is requested to present the resignation of his office to the Supreme Pontiff, who will provide taking into account all the circumstances.”
