The cardinal is appointing Father Peter Sneig to be the archdiocese's chief operating officer. He will be the moderator of the Curia or the person who will run the day-to-day operations of the archdiocese. Father Sneig is currently rector of St. Joseph's Seminary.
In July, Sneig will replace the current chancellor of the archdiocese, Jimmy Lago, who has held that job for 12 years.
This decision comes as the cardinal himself submits his mandatory resignation to the pope next Monday, on the cardinal's 75th birthday. The pope is not expected to accept that resignation immediately.
Last week, the cardinal returned from a routine medical check-up at the Mayo Clinic. He is a cancer survivor. His spokesperson says he received a clean bill of health.
