Archbishop Coakley elected U.S. bishops’ president in narrow, historic vote
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has elected Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City as its next president. The election, decided by a narrow margin, signals a shift in the bishops' voting pattern. Archbishop Coakley, 70, was elected by 54% of the votes in a third-ballot runoff against Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas. This close result indicates a growing inability to select a leader by an overwhelming majority, marking a departure from the recent trend where an archbishop or cardinal has been elected president since 2007. Coakley's election, set to conclude in 2027, is seen as a nod to seniority and experience. He has served as secretary of the conference twice and has led several committees, including the Catholic Relief Services board and the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. As president, he will guide discussions on immigration reform, racial justice, religious liberty, and declining church attendance. Bishop Flores, the vice president-elect, is a successful compromise candidate with strong intellectual skills and experience in migrant pastoral care. He was elected on the first ballot with a fraction over the majority. Archbishop Coakley's election, despite the narrow margin, reflects respect for his leadership and experience. As president, he will play a crucial role in shaping the bishops' conference's stance on key issues. Bishop Flores, as vice president, will support him and bring his unique perspective to the table. The close election results, however, hint at potential shifts in the bishops' voting dynamics.
