His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI insists that the decision to lift the excommunications of four traditionalist bishops was entirely based on canonical logic, comparable to the reintegration of Catholic bishops in China ordained without the consent of the pope. Once such a bishop formally recognizes papal authority, Benedict says, the lifting of excommunication is basically automatic.That is why basically It is for the Pope freely to appoint bishops. This shows the bond of communion that is shared between the dioceses of the world and the universal Church, of which the Holy Father is the visible sign of unity. When there is need to appoint a bishop to a diocese,the Papal Nuncio, the Pope''s representative to a particular country or territory consults with various people for the names of qualified individuals. Canon Law prescribes that he consult with the Metropolitan Bishop of the province, other bishops of the province, the President of the national bishops'' conference and some members... Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге The Responsibility of a Catholic Bishop in a Diocese (Daniel W Kasomo)