The prelate was chosen during the XXVII plenary assembly of the Russian bishops' conference, which concluded today. Its sessions produced "congratulations" for new president Medvedev and a discussion on Church-state relations.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Russian bishops' conference (CCER) has confirmed as its president Joseph Wert, bishop of Novosibirsk.  The nomination of the prelate, with a mandate of three years, came during the 27th plenary assembly of the Russian bishops' conference, held from March 4-5 in Saratov.  In addition to the bishops, the sessions were attended by the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, and his secretary, Fr Ante Jozic.

At the beginning of the assembly, the participants expressed their congratulations to the new president of the federation, Dmitri Medvedev, elected last March 2.  The prelates expressed their hope that the new head of state can meet the hopes of Russians.  In the popular vote, the young politician, "designated" by his predecessor Putin, obtained 70.23% of the ballots.

The assembly addressed various aspects of the life of Catholics in Russia - as written in a statement by Fr Igor Kovalevskij, secretary general of the CCER - including the information policy of the Church and relations with the state.  In addition to the president, his deputy was also chosen, Kirill Klimovich, bishop of Saint Joseph at Irkutsk.

The next plenary assembly of the Russian bishops will take place in November of 2008.

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