The Diocese of Quilmes in Argentina has announced, with sorrow, the closure of the cause for canonization of the Servant of God, Bishop Jorge Novak, SVD. The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has revoked the “nihil obstat” previously granted for the process.
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the dicastery, communicated the decision, which stems from “a possible canonical procedure not carried out by Bishop Jorge Novak regarding the conduct of a priest of the diocese.” The diocese emphasized that this administrative decision implies no moral judgment on Novak’s life, virtues, or pastoral ministry. He remains recognized as a Servant of God, though his cause will not advance.
The Diocese of Quilmes and the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), co-sponsors of the cause initiated in December 2017, expressed their confidence that “God, in his immense goodness, has granted the beloved and fondly remembered Father-Bishop Jorge Novak the joy of eternal life,” even if he will not be officially inscribed in the Church’s register of saints.
Bishop Jorge Novak, who died in 2001, was the first bishop of the Diocese of Quilmes, established in 1976. He is widely remembered for his staunch defense of human rights during Argentina’s military dictatorship and his dedicated care for the poor. He also promoted the “Mass of Hope,” a celebration that continues to this day.
