The 59-year-old Swiss bishop who submitted his resignation to Pope Francis on Monday said that “inner exhaustion” had rendered his position “unbearable” for him.
Since 2013, Bishop Valerio Lazzeri has presided over the Diocese of Lugano in Switzerland.
“Sincerity and total openness oblige me to tell you that, particularly in the past two years, an inner exhaustion has formed in me that has progressively robbed me of the impetus and serenity required to lead the Church of Lugano,” he stated during a news conference on Monday afternoon.
Despite the great presence of partners, for whom I am grateful, Lazzeri said, “The public elements, the representation, the financial and administrative administration, have become unpleasant for me.”
Lazzeri was baptized as a priest in 1989 and was born on July 22, 1963. In the latter part of 2013, Pope Francis nominated him bishop of Lugano in the Swiss Canton of Ticino.
The Holy See press office provided just a short explanation for the resignation on Monday; bishops are not required to retire until they reach the age of 75.
According to a report by Corriere del Ticino, the Swiss bishop said, “I tell you this with an open heart: I can no longer envision remaining in the position I have endeavored to occupy up until now,” during the news conference on October 10.
“For this reason, after careful consideration, I have deemed it necessary to return the mandate that the Holy Father gave to me at that time to him for the sake of the diocese and of all the people.”
The bishop said that he “dared to depend on your comprehension, your love, and your proximity.” Please keep me in your prayers; I will do the same for you.
German-language CNA Deutsch said local Swiss media had heard suspicions that Lazzeri might step down on Friday.
According to the Swiss website “kath.ch,” the prelate had received little attention from the country in recent years and had missed the Swiss bishops’ ad limina trip to Rome last year due to illness.
Apostolic administrator Bishop Alain De Raemy has been chosen until Lazzeri’s replacement is chosen.