From Philadelphia

Per NPR:

The Vatican has appointed an outspoken archbishop to lead the troubled Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Charles Chaput of Denver will move to Philadelphia in September. He succeeds Cardinal Justin Rigali, who has been criticized for the way he has handled child sex abuse allegations.

For the past five months, Cardinal Rigali has been dogged by claims that he may have protected questionable priests. In February, a grand jury report alleged that as many as 37 priests who had been accused of abuse were still in active ministry. The report also charged several other priests or former priests in a sex abuse scandal.

The guy who is leaving, says his retirement has nothing to do with the sex abuse scandal.

Rigali, 76, said his retirement had no connection to the scandal, but he still offered an apology.

"If I have offended anyone in any way, I am deeply sorry," he says. "I apologize for any weaknesses on my part in representing Christ and the church, worthily and effectively."

The newly appointed archbishop, is known for being conservative on cultural issues. Yet, he claims to have no idea why the Vatican appointment.

His successor, Chaput, said he has no idea why the pope appointed him.

"But I do promise no bishop will try harder to help persons who have been hurt by the sins of the past, or work harder to strengthen and encourage our priests and renew the hearts of our people," Chaput says.

Religion professor Matthew Schmalz thinks he know why the pope selected Chaput. "Archbishop Chaput does have experience dealing with messes," he says.

Odd.  I am having visions of chess pieces being moved around a board by an invisible hand...