Pope names Jesuit as successor to Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Müller

Pope Francis has decided not to renew Cardinal Gerhard Müller's term as prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).

The Pope has chosen Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer SJ, Secretary of the CDF, as his successor.

"The Holy Father Francis thanked His Eminence Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller at the conclusion of his quinquennial mandate," the Vatican announcement said. No new position was announced for Cardinal Muller, who at 69 is still more than five years away from the normal retirement age for a bishop.